‘Too Great a Risk’: Caloundra Music Festival Discontinued Permanently After April Cancellation

Caloundra Music Festival, an annual highlight on the Sunshine Coast, has been permanently discontinued. Rising costs, falling ticket sales, and industry uncertainties have led to this decision, marking the end of an era for the beloved event.

The festival, typically held every October, had already announced a break for 2024, but today’s news from the Sunshine Coast Council confirms it will not return. This decision comes as part of the council’s 2024-2025 budget, which has ceased funding for the event.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli expressed the difficulty of the decision, stating:

“Rising costs, falling ticket sales, and uncertainty in the music festival industry were felt to be too great a risk in the current climate. We recognize that music events are important for our community, and Council will continue to deliver smaller events and programs.”

Despite hopes that the festival could resume in 2025 after canceling the 2024 edition, financial constraints and shifting patron preferences have made continuation impossible. A statement on the Sunshine Coast Council website noted that audiences are increasingly supporting major artist tours and genre-specific festivals rather than more general music programs.

A Legacy of Remarkable Line-Ups

Over the years, Caloundra Music Festival has showcased an impressive array of talent, including Missy Higgins, Empire of the Sun, The Veronicas, Powderfinger, and Angus and Julia Stone. In 2023, the festival won the People’s Choice Award for Festival of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards, cementing its place in the hearts of many.

A Broader Trend in the Music Festival Industry

Caloundra Music Festival is the latest in a series of festival cancellations over the past two years. Others such as Splendour in the Grass, Groovin’ in the Moo, Coastal Jam, Vintage Vibes, Dark Mofo, and Valleyways have also ceased operations due to cost pressures and changing audience dynamics.

The discontinuation of Caloundra Music Festival signifies a significant shift in the music festival landscape, driven by economic challenges and evolving consumer behavior. While the festival will be missed, the Sunshine Coast Council remains committed to fostering community engagement through smaller-scale events and programs.

For further updates and information, visit the Sunshine Coast Council website.