It’s official: 2024 is the year of the micro-festival.
The Bennies (main picture), Pricey, Brixton Alley, and Dave Gleeson (Screaming Jets) will takeover Blackflag Brewing, Coolum, for The Big Weekend Festival on July 13.
They join a new wave of small to mid-sized music festivals bringing renewed hope to the industry, after dozens of festivals, such as Groovin The Moo, Caloundra Music Festival and Horizon Fest, were scrapped amid the economic squeeze.
Redcliffe’s Where We Belong will see Brisbane punk icons Butterfingers, and a host of alt-rock acts descend on north Brisbane, on May 18, and The Big Pineapple Festival at Woomybe recently announced its return for October 19.
The Big Weekend Festival, run by Josh Price (ex The Chats) and Ben Russoniello of Priceless Records, is in its third year and is a grassroots initiative aimed at championing homegrown talent.
Local legends Chamber Lane, Catching Salmon, Cael Whip & Nix, Wigs and Harlum, will join headliners The Bennies, who bring a swag of infectious tunes and energetic performance.
Coolum artist Pricey, whose support for native music is unwavering, will perform a collaborative effort with Dave Gleeson featuring some Screaming Jets classics and originals.
Picture: Josh Price with Jack Jones (Southern Sons) and Dave Gleeson (Screaming Jets).
Dave’s support for the new generation of talent in Australia underscores the importance of established artists giving back to the music community.
An incubator for homegrown talent
The brainchild of Josh “Pricey” Price, The Big Weekend Music Festival embodies his vision of creating a platform for emerging artists to grow and thrive in the music industry.
The former lead guitarist and founding member of The Chats says the festival aims to foster “a sense of community” where newer talent can share the stage with bigger acts, and in turn receive mentorship and support.
“Artists involved in previous years have become like family, forming a huge supportive network that extends far beyond the event itself,” Josh says.
“Aussie favourites The Terrys played the first Big Weekend in 2022, and are now part of that family.”
In an era where large music festivals face major economic challenges, grassroots initiatives like these are imperative for local artists to survive, organiser Ben says.
“These low-budget, DIY festivals play a crucial role in nurturing emerging artists, providing them with the opportunity to perform for larger crowds and build their fan bases.
“By shining a spotlight on events like these, we not only celebrate the diversity of the music scene but also ensure its sustainability for future generations.”
The Big Weekend Festival full lineup:
The Bennies (Melbourne/Gold Coast)
Pricey (Sunshine Coast)
Dave Gleeson (South Australia)
Brixton Alley (UK/Brisbane)
Chamber Lane (Sunshine Coast)
Catching Salmon (Sunshine Coast)
Cael Whip & Nix (Sunshine Coast)
Wigs (Sunshine Coast)
Harlum (Sunshine Coast)
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