The Aireys Inlet Music Festival returns in 2023!

Aireys Inlet Music Festival returns with a bang in 2023 

The Aireys Inlet Music festival returns to the Surf Coast town in March, with Ella Hooper headlining another cracking line-up of home-grown talent. 

It’s a return to the Aireys Festival stage for Hooper after performing with the RockWiz Orchestra in 2016. With her crack band, she will be playing songs from her new album, Small Town Temple, a paean to her hometown of Violet Town.

Ella follows an illustrious list of past headliners including Hoodoo Gurus, Tash Sultana, Ross Wilson, Pierce Brothers and Adalita. 

The festival, now in its 17th year, draws on the cream of Geelong and Surf Coast bands this year, including Rocket Science, Bones and Jones, Foggy Notion, Immy Owusu, Forever Son, the Beachniks, Matt Bourke and the Delusional Drunks, Dear Buffalo and De Porsal. 

They will be joined by Sydney country star Andy Golledge Band, Frankston’s finest rockers the Belaire Lip Bombs, space disco popsters Zoe Fox and the Rocket Clocks, all female mariachi group Queen of Hearts, and boisterous country rockers Sin City. 

Incoming Artistic Director Patrick Donovan said this year’s line-up was a celebration of local talent. 

‘’We didn’t have to look too far to source a great line-up,’’ says Donovan, who has been visiting Aireys for 40 years. 

‘’There’s such a wealth of talent from the area. Whether these musicians still live in the region, have moved to Melbourne or relocated here for a seachange, there’s a certain roosty, carefree surfy sound that washes through many of the acts. 

‘’We’re also thrilled to invite Ella Hooper back – her great new album is all about longing for her regional hometown of Violet Town, so she will fit right in. And we couldn’t resist inviting one of the rising stars of the country, Andy Golledge, to come down and close the festival on Sunday.’’ 

The main stage will once again be located in one of the State’s best beer gardens at the Aireys pub (which is ticketed), but once again the festival will take over the town, with free intimate performances taking place at gin bars, cafes, hotels and restaurants around town. The Push’s youth FReeZA stage will showcase the best young acts from the region at Great Ocean Road Mini Golf on the Sunday. 

Donovan, the former CEO of the state’s music peak body Music Victoria, said that the event brings the community together, supports its creatives, and is a shot in the arm for businesses. 

‘’According to credit card data from Spend Map, there was a $90,000 – or 26%  increased spend in the town compared to a normal March weekend. Regional music festivals are good for the local economy and good for the soul, and we’ve deliberately kept ticket prices low at $60 for the three days so everyone can join in the fun.

Free tickets for children under 12 years of age.

Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times

For more information: airysinlet.com.au 

For media or sponsorship inquiries: Patrick Donovan, 040 777 2657

 

This is a non-for-profit community event that relies on volunteers and donations. 

You can contribute through the Australian Cultural Fund and receive half of your donation back in tax.

Artist Project: Aireys Inlet Music Festival 2023artists.australianculturalfund.org.au

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