New Regional Qld Festival Series Announced

A new series of micro-festivals and events throughout regional Queensland will reignite the local industry and create a number of new jobs for workers affected by the pandemic.

The Live & Local project will take place throughout Gympie, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Redlands, with approximately 55 venues and performance spaces set to be established, and at least 100 contracted workers to take part.

"These region-wide micro-festivals have acts which will suit all tastes," said Live & Local project lead Emily Murphy. 

"It’s incredible to find such diversity of musical styles and artistry by performers from all of the regions. 

"One of the greatest pleasures in producing this event has been supporting emerging professionals in the industry based here in the regions as well as finding so many supportive venues keen to host and support live music in their towns. I can see that with support from projects like Live & Local, our regional music industry can have a vibrant future in our towns.”

Murphy, who is also curating the Gympie region's festivals, went on to say, "The Gympie region has a diverse music scene, while it may be thought of as country, there is a vibrant hip hop, roots, indie and jazz ecology across the region. 

"The region is as diverse in landscape as it is in businesses wanting to champion live and local original music makers, which is so exciting for not only our creatives here but our neighbours and national and international touring acts that will start to see the region as a viable option for gigging with plenty of scaled options for presenting their work.”

Live & Local will begin to unveil their festival dates and lineups from Wednesday 1 September. To register an EOI as a performer or worker, or to read more on the planned events, head to the Live & Local website here.