Blues on Broadbeach is back!

Despite the myriad of challenges imposed by COVID-19, Blues on Broadbeach is back! In just 3 more sleeps an incredible line-up including Grammy Award-winning Aussie rock legends Wolfmother, critically acclaimed Christine Anu and Blues icon C.W. Stoneking Blues on Broadbeach 2021 will see a re-imagined and innovative COVID safe festival design come to life in Broadbeach on May 20-23.

To ensure an enjoyable and safe festival experience that aligns with the most up to date COVID safe requirements, the Blues on Broadbeach festival organisers have carefully and creatively implemented COVID safe measures across the event without compromising what we all love about Blues on Broadbeach.

Festival Director Mark Duckworth can’t wait for the return of live music to the Gold Coast.

“It was fantastic news for the Blues on Broadbeach’s COVID Safe Plan to be given the tick of approval, as the planning for 2021 has been a totally new experience for us. It is a credit to the whole team. We had so much support from the fans and artists to keep at it. We’re so excited to share it with you.  I know it’s going to be a special event.”

With the support of the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative, the event will return safely for attendees and artists, featuring a combination of park stages, Dine & Watch precincts and partnered venues.

The festival’s program promises an incredible and diverse display of performances ranging from Blues and Roots to Folk and Rock.

Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Lloyd Spiegel is among the first acts performing, with the first of his two shows on Thursday the 20th from 5:00pm.

He returns the next evening, along with the “Jimi Hendrix of the Hammond Organ” Lachy Doley and The Horns of Conviction. As well as Melbourne outfit Jazz Party, and blues rock guitarist Hamish Anderson.

Saturday the 22nd vows to be a spectacular evening, with West Aussie rock juggernaut The Southern River Band performing at 5:15pm as the perfect pre-cursor to Aussie rock icons and headline act Wolfmother (pictured below), with the legends who brought you “Joker and the Thief” showcasing their electric talent at 8:45pm.

The last day of the festival on Sunday the 23rd is shaping up to be a more relaxing, yet no less riveting day in Broadbeach. Sydney Blues guitarist and vocalist Ray Beadle, fresh from his first performance the evening before, will be returning to stage at 3:30pm, followed by the idiosyncratic C.W. Stoneking, with the blues marvel performing at 5:15pm.

And finally, what better way to conclude a truly exceptional weekend than to spend the evening with the vibrant and gorgeous Christine Anu (pictured right), performing the Aretha Franklin Songbook from 7:00pm.

The icing on the cake, or rather, the froth on top of the festival, has also been locked in.  Blues on Broadbeach is excited to announce a terrific new partnership with Wingman Beer! The official beer of Blues on Broadbeach 2021, will be providing limited edition ‘Blues on Broadbeach’ Wingman Beer cans on sale at the festival, including in their pop-up bars in the festival precinct.

Will Chambers, General Manager – Wingman Beer said:

“We are thrilled to be announced as the Official Beer of Blues on Broadbeach. Like most people, we have eagerly anticipated the return of live entertainment, and to celebrate Wingman Beer’s first foray into supporting the music industry, we are excited to launch a limited edition can of the Wingman 3.5% mid-strength beer, which will be available to patrons at the Wingman Bars in Kurrawa Park and Victoria Park.  Having relocated the business from NSW to South East Queensland in mid-2020, we are keen to build partnerships and support initiatives which drive visitation to the Gold Coast, and we will be showcasing the new Blues on Broadbeach can at events in NSW in the coming weeks.”

Blues on Broadbeach 2021 is also delighted to reveal a new partnership with mental health and wellbeing support organisation, Beyond Blue.

With the enduring impact of the pandemic, the need for mental health and wellbeing support is more important than ever. In this time of uncertainty, Blues on Broadbeach and Beyond Blue hope their partnership can help to alleviate and combat anxiety, depression, and other related mental health concerns.

Andrew Stockdale, singer and guitarist of headline act and Australian rock icon Wolfmother, expressed his optimism for the power of music and connection in nurturing wellbeing:

“The past year has been very tough on everyone and I know so many people in the music industry who have really struggled financially and mentally due to COVID. It’s great to finally be able to come together again as performers and fans to celebrate at a live festival, Musc is a powerful force for connection, and it can lift our spirits in challenging times. As a performer, creating music and sharing it with others is a big release and having this outlet is an important way I keep on top of my own wellbeing.”  

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman welcomed the new partnership and acknowledged the important role music plays in our lives.

“If the last year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of music and the events that bring us together. That’s why we’re so excited about this partnership as we start to open up and reconnect. I want to thank Blues on Broadbeach for this partnership and for encouraging music fans, performers and staff to make mental health a part of everyday conversations.”

In addition to Beyond Blue, Blues on Broadbeach is grateful for their sensational sponsors, The Oracle Boulevard and Network Ten.

The luxurious boulevard at the Oracle precinct will be closed to vehicles all weekend as they present a solid program of blues entertainment in the ‘round on Oracle Boulevard. Forming part of 2021 Blues on Broadbeach “Dine & Watch precinct” offering, fans can book into their favourite Oracle Boulevard restaurants and bars and kick back to some of the best blues musicians in the country.

Network Ten were due to commence a two-year deal with Blues on Broadbeach in 2020, prior to the cancellation of the festival due to COVID. However, after a buoyant year, they are back in 2021, ready to promote their popular shows; MasterChef, Have You Been Paying Attention, Survivor Australia and more, in association with Blues on Broadbeach.

Blues on Broadbeach is supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

 

Five fine-dining options at Blues on Broadbeach Festival

You don’t often hear the words ‘fine-dining’ when attending a festival, more than likely, the only food offering is a couple of Food Trucks with massive queues. At Blues on Broadbeach however, you can take your pick from regular takeaway establishments right through to some of the best Gold Coast’s fine-dining restaurants – all in walking distance from the festival. There are so many to choose from, but let us introduce you to just five of our favourite fine-dining options at the 2020 Blues on Broadbeach.

Five fine-dining options at Blues on Broadbeach Festival

Here they are in alphabetical order:

Gemelli Italian

A firm favourite with Gold Coast locals since it opened in 2013, Gemelli Italian is renowned for its hand made pizza and pasta prepared in house daily. In fact every single thing on the menu, even the Gelato is handmade in-house.

The menu consists of gorgeous Antipasti, Pizza Rose, Pizza Bianche, Pasta, Secondi & Dolce all made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients sourced both locally and imported from Italy. The drinks list has a strong focus on Italian wines, featuring varieties and styles from all over Italy. Combined with an Italian-inspired cocktail list as well as a great selection of Australian and international spirits and beer, there’s a tipple to suit all Blues on Broadbeach fans tastes.

Gemelli Italian is perfectly positioned for Blues on Broadbeach being located underneath the ‘Mantra on the Park’ and overlooking Victoria Park at 2/2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, Queensland 4218.

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar offers the perfect blend of traditional and modern cuisine from South East Asia, via renowned Chef Ray Choi.  His menu follows the perfect blend of tradition and modern cuisine from South East Asia.

With a focus on the share food philosophy, encompassing small intimate bites to banquet-style dining, the flavours are just incredible. The Mamasan Kitchen = Bar experience is highlighted even further when combined with their zesty, Asian inspired cocktail list and international beers, wines, spirits and sake on offer.

With professional, friendly service in a central location, Mamasan Kitchen + Bar delivers on the ultimate Pan-Asian dining experience.  Make sure you drop by during Blues on Broadbeach.

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar is located at 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218

Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill 

Located in the heart of cosmopolitan Broadbeach, overlooking Victoria Park, and opposite Gold Coast Sofitel Hotel, Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill Gold Coast is a multi-award-winning restaurant and one of Queensland’s premier restaurant venues.

Moo Moo breaks down the barriers of a normal steak house by losing the overly masculine vibe that has so long been the trademark of its genre. With its stunning modern interior decor of natural stone finishes, sleek organic curves and state of the art lighting system, the steak restaurant has evolved.

Don’t feel like steak? There are a number of non-beef options on the menu and if you just want to pop in for a cocktail and people watch, as their bar overlooks Victoria Park – just perfect for Blues on Broadbeach.

Neighbouring Gemelli Italian, Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill is located underneath the ‘Mantra on the Park’ at 2C/2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, QLD 4218

Room 81

Room 81 is Broadbeach’s only French Lounge and Brassiere and what a french experience it is!

Who would have thought that you could attend a festival and enjoy such elegant and flavoursome French cuisine combined in a chic restaurant environment?  Room 81 guests can indulge in crafted dishes that are seared, sizzled, and seasoned to perfection, taking your taste buds on a gastronomical journey to the roots of the Parisian culture and French heritage.

Room 81 is conveniently located in the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach (opposite Victoria Park) at 81 Surf Parade Broadbeach, Gold Coast, QLD 4218

Social Eating House + Bar

Social Eating House + Bar is a casual fine dining restaurant and bar located in the Oracle precinct in Broadbeach.  Their concept of share plate dining has created a benchmark for the Gold Coast food scene with an extensive international tapas or shared plate menu.

As you would expect from the winner (three consecutive years) of the People’s Choice ‘Chef of the Year’ Award, Matthew Jefferson (Owner, Operator and Executive Chef), his menu is designed to share with all meat, seafood and produce are sourced as locally as possible within Australia.

During Blues on Broadbeach, have a seat at the bar and grab a cocktail from the very talented bartenders who create a variety of different style cocktails to suit your taste buds before dining at this very special restaurant

Social Eating House + Bar is located on the corner of Oracle Boulevard and Elizabeth Avenue at 3 Oracle Boulevard Broadbeach

Don’t miss a beat

If you’re planning to come to the 2020 Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival, don’t miss a beat! Book your accommodation now, so you can stay and enjoy four full days of the best live Blues music in the world.  Check out the 4-5 star accommodation options listed on our website.  It definitely beats having to pitch a tent in a paddock.

Blues on Broadbeach will be held Thursday, May 14 – Sunday, May 17, 2020, on the streets and in the parks of beautiful Broadbeach, Gold Coast, QLD,

5 Free Things You Can Do During 2020 Blues on Broadbeach

With such a stellar lineup at the 2020 Blues on Broadbeach, it’ll be hard to tear yourself away from the free-to-attend street party. But if you have time before the music kicks off each day, try some of these other free Broadbeach based activities.

1. Kurrawa Beach

Kurrawa Beach, one of many beautiful Gold Coast beaches, is located in the Broadbeach precinct so if you are staying in the area why not head down for an early morning swim or surf before you get your daily blues music fix. Located parallel to Broadbeach’s shops and restaurants, it’s in close proximity to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, the Gold Coast Convention Centre and The Star Gold Coast Casino. A day at Kurrawa Beach is perfect for families or just anyone who enjoys soft white sand between their toes and the smell of the ocean.

2. Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets

The Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets are a must to visit during your visit to Blues on Broadbeach.  Popular with locals and visitors alike you’ll find over 150 stalls selling gifts, souvenirs, art, craft, ingenious items and the plain weird and wonderful. The markets will be open both Saturday and Sunday of Blues on Broadbeach so you’ll have two mornings available to you to hit the markets all in walking distance from the festival.

3. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Pacific Fair is the premier shopping destination in Queensland, with an enviable selection of international fashion stores and global luxury brands. Newly renovated it is equipped with cinemas, two food courts and is home to well known international brands such as Mecca Maxima, Gucci, H&M, Zara and Sephora. It is easy to travel to Pacific Fair on the G:link Tram as it is located right next to the Broadbeach South Station. With 5 hours of free parking on offer, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is a fantastic location to shop ’til your drop when you next visit Broadbeach.

4. The Oasis Shopping Centre

The Oasis Shopping Centre is set right amongst the Blues on Broadbeach action. Offering fashion for everyone from casual clothing through to evening wear, plus a great range of footwear and accessories, it’s the perfect go to for anything you forgot to pack for Blues on Broadbeach getaway.  For those staying in self-contained apartments, you’ll want to visit Woolworths located inside on the ground floor, or the BWS Bottleshop so you can stock your fridge and pantry with gourmet snacks and beverages.  Families can head up the escalator to Level Up Arcade for some old-skool arcade games.  The Oasis has free parking for two hours and is a great spot to shop, have a bite to eat or just hang out for the day.

5. Cascade Gardens

Cascade Gardens in Broadbeach is a gorgeous spot for a picnic or barbeque with your family, friends or partner. There are several undercover shelters and barbeques for free use and the scenery is peaceful and relaxing with beautiful flora and fauna to discover throughout. There is a huge playground for children including a wheelchair accessible swing. Cascade Gardens showcases traces of Aboriginal Culture and it is also home to the Queensland Korean War Memorial for anyone interested in history.

Lineup at the 2020 Blues on Broadbeach

The awesome lineup at the 2020 Blues on Broadbeach features Tommy Emmanuel, Gaby Moreno, Karise Eden and Kim Churchill and so many more from all over the world. So when the schedule is released, make a note of who you want to see and when, then take some time-out to see some of the other free activities available to you in beautiful Broadbeach, Queensland.

 

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