The Big Pineapple Music Festival will be bigger and louder than ever when it returns to the Sunshine Coast this October.

Organisers say the festival date will be announced on May 1, with the lineup to come early July.

“We will be concentrating on far more categories to the festival this year, which will really add to the over all patron experience,” a statement says.

“It’s going to be an absolute celebration, as we have been in hibernation for three years.

“There’s a big emphasis on best dressed this year (and) we’re adding a dance element and lots more art.”

The Big Pineapple Music Festival social media pages posted a teaser earlier this year saying: “2024 = The year of the pineapple comeback!”

Punters have been eagerly waiting for more news since the cryptic message.

Today they posted this:

“Who’s ready for some good news? Sooo…how does October sound for the return of our beloved Big Pineapple Festival?! 

“After a 3 year hiatus, it’s about time to dust off those Piney outfits and feel the LOVE at the Sunshine Coast’s favourite Music & Arts Festival #werebackbaby.”

Festival brings renewed hope to music lovers

The exciting news comes as dozens of music festivals across the country announce their cancellation, including Groovin The Moo and Caloundra Music Festival.

Pandemonium Festival has also been affected, with half the lineup scrapped and a new location moving it from Sandstone Point to Eatons Hill Hotel on April 28.

Rising operating costs and low ticket sales due to the cost of living, have been reasons the festivals have called it quits.

Concert-goers now say their hopes are pinned on the iconic music festival going ahead.

“We so need this,” one punter, who wishes to be nameless, says.

“Hopefully it will break the negative cycle of news about the music scene.

“I’m sick of seeing so much bad news when I know there’s good grass roots stuff and shows going on everywhere.”

Musos welcome the news

Local singer/songwriter Jay Bishoff (pictured) spoke highly of the event’s organisers.

“As long as Pico is still at the helm as captain of the Big Pineapple Festival then I am a believer.

“To me, that guy nearly reaches mythological status. Most people don’t know he was once everyone’s local mate, working long hours in the smallest bottle shop in Coolum.

“But he had big dreams. On a wing and a prayer, he created and ran ‘Golden Days Festival’ at Coolum, where I was honoured to MC the the festival with The Cruel Sea, Xavier Rudd, The Beautiful Girls and lots more. 

“Pico and I also ran The popular Lighthouse Concerts at Coolum Civic Centre – then….suddenly, he goes next level: The Big Pineapple Festival. 

“I was living in Indonesia during that festival’s glory years. But I believe in Pico, period. He has my blessing, all the way.”

Buderim singer/songwriter and music teacher Drew Wilson says he is happy to see more industry support.

“I’m excited about another local festival giving local artists an opportunity to showcase their work to new audiences.”

The festival’s 2020 showcase was pushed to 2021 due to the pandemic, but it ended there with financial strains pausing its operations.

Hundreds of local artists responded to the news, with Buttermello saying “Hugeeeee” and Owls of Neptune simply replying, “Awesome”.

This year is the Woombye festival’s nine edition.

More to come.