The Caloundra Music Festival took out the QLD Live Event of the Year at the National Live Music Awards in Brisbane on Wednesday 4 December, 2019.

The festival takes place over the October long weekend each year, and in 2019 welcomed more than 32,500 guests and generated $4.4 million in economic impact and 95 per cent of surveyed visitors stated the Festival adds to the appeal of the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said the festival had a reputation for delivering an eclectic program showcasing a variety of music genres and offered something for all ages, as a family friendly event.

“The Queensland Live Event of the Year presented by the National Live Music Awards 2019 is an accolade we have earnt together!”

“From the festival fans and everyone who bought a ticket, to our 600 passionate volunteers, our amazing sponsors, our supportive local residents and businesses, the elite team of music industry professionals who join our festival family to build and deliver this community event and most especially the incredible artists who share their talents to create four days of Sun, Surf and Soul every year at Kings Beach, clearly our recipe for success.”

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia’s diverse and successful live industry, celebrating the diversity and success of the Australian live scene – recognising the best vocal talents and musicians alongside the best venues, events and festivals.

Festival Director, Mr Richie Eyles accepted the award and said it was a surprise and an honour.

“We don’t do this for the awards, we do this for our community and because we love music. We are honoured to be part of the industry, and to be considered alongside esteemed events like the Woodford Folk Festival.”

In 2019 and 2018, the festival was also a nominee in the Queensland Music Awards for Festival of the Year.

Artist applications for 2020 open in February with the first artist announcement for the 14th Caloundra Music Festival to take place in April.

For festival information www.caloundramusicfestival.com

The Caloundra Music Festival is an event initiative of Sunshine Coast Council and supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar, worth $800m to the state’s economy in 2019.