The Big Weekend music festival at Coolum proved music on the Sunshine Coast is not dead on Saturday.

In its third consecutive year, The Big Weekend showed what a punk-rock show is all about with a sold-out show at Blackflag Brewing.

Organised by local rockstar Pricey, the event celebrates Coolum and its thriving music scene.

This year Pricey asked his mate Dave Gleeson from The Screaming Jets to join him. And hip-hop heavyweights The Bennies headlined.

From rap and hip-hop to punk, rock and even reggae, the brewery carpark drew a 600-strong crowd. While thirsty punters danced up a storm, from 2.30pm-10pm.

Emerging rappers Harlum and El Mack kick things off

Local rap masters Harlum and El Mack were the perfect openers. Harlum is FULL of energy and just bursts onto the stage, with his lively, high-octane schtick.

Pricey’s childhood mate Wigs flexes in his solo Aussie hip-hop effort. And CaelWhip N Nix got punters off their chairs and into the pit. Not to mention some hilarious on-stage antics which saw them shed most of their clothing (oh my!).

Catching Salmon were up next, bringing some of the heavier stuff to this rock show.

Their punk-rock spin on The Police classic, “Message in a Bottle”, got the attention of concert-goers. And the energy these boys bring to their recordings was even madder on stage… just epic.

As the sun began to set, it was time for a legendary performance from Chamber Lane. These guys sounded magnificent on the outdoor stage! Organiser Ben Russoniello says it comes with “Splendour-quality” sound – superb!

Feeding off each other’s energy, these boys really know how to get the punters running. And showed proved they are made for a party like this.

Loyal fans sang crowd-pleaser, “Liana”, word-for-word. While frontman Connor and bassist Josiah worked the stage at full force, sharing vocals for their latest punk anthem “Love is for Losers” (a personal favourite).

A Slim Shady/White Stripes mash-up from Brixton Alley

Brixton Alley made everyone take notice when they broke into an incredible mash-up of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” and Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady”. I think even a sample of 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” was thrown in for good measure! So sick.

The Brissy-based British lads bring a new-wave of professionalism to the stage. Their indie-punk flair and Jonny’s mesmerising lyrical delivery are IMPRESSIVE.

While waiting for the highly-anticipated performance of Pricey and Dave Gleeson, we met some huge fans. One was even lucky enough to meet The Screaming Jets frontman.

It was SO great to see Dave giving so much of his time to the festival and its performers. He sure is proving to be the ultimate mentor to our local superstar acts.

One concert-goer struck up a conversation about “how bloody good it is to see an Australian music festival thriving”. He then pulls out an original 1997 Screaming Jets T-shirt (pictured) which Dave has just signed.

This gentleman and his friend express the pure love they have for “good live music”. And it really shows how important it is to have an active music festival like this is in our region.

A famous green ‘VB’ hat emerges from the stage

As the stage lights dim, a long-haired lout dressed in all black and a vivid green VB hat emerges.

Pricey kicks straight into his opening song, “88”. And starts stirring the masses into an all-out frenzy with their blunt Aussie accents firing the lyrics back to him.

Since his debut with The Chats in 2016, Pricey has continued to be a formidable force. He performs a song or two from their discography, such as pub-rock classic, “Don’t Tell Me What To Do”.

It’s around here where a fancy-dress pirate launches himself off the stage and into the mosh pit. In an attempted crowd-surf, the poor old pirate lands flatly on the carpark bitumen. Ouch!

But never fear, because Dave Gleeson is here to lend him a helping hand. He brings Aussie music royalty to this rock show, and joins Pricey on stage with smash hit, “Better”.

Showing it isn’t his first rodeo, Dave performs with the same boy-ish charm he has in the 1980s. And the crowd goes nuts when he lapses into The Angels classic, “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again”.

Bringing music-lovers of all-ages to the dance floor, Dave tells the rowdy mob he “LOVES swearing!”. And they gets them going with an expletive-laden version of that song – “No way, get f*cked, f*ck off!”

The Bennies finish off a perfect night for The Big Weekend

Riding on a huge high by their musical predecessors, five-piece psychedelic rockers The Bennies fill the stage for the ultimate send-off.

Despite the weather dropping to Antarctic lows, The Bennies have the 420 crew lighting-up and bouncing to stay warm. With some reggae-infused beats to soothe the souls, the vibe is at an all-time high.

Frontman Ant Horgan takes full direction on stage, charged from his band’s all-out fun energy. As he sways, grooves, and springs around in tight, stripy pants, Ant a true entertainer.

Ant’s smile lights up the venue. And at one point he joins the nosebleed sniffers for a singalong, tying the night’s loose ends together perfectly.

With the recent trend of music festivals being cancelled, it was such a pleasure to see the community’s full support on display.

The Big Weekend provides a major platform for our emerging performers, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents to a new audience.

And all the while bringing the community together, no matter the demographic.

Everyone in Pricey’s camp, and the boys at Blackflag, should be stoked.

And Dave Gleeson, you’re a flipping legend.

Don’t miss The Big Weekend next year in Coolum! Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebigweekendofficial/.