The event named the ‘Best Event & Festival’ at the 2011 Queensland Tourism Awards has achieved another incredible result with the 11th Anniversary being labelled a ‘massive success’.
More than 80,000 people visited Broadbeach over the four event for the 2012 Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival (24-27 May).
The event kicked off on Thursday night (24th May 2012) in the Broadbeach Mall and finished with enormous crowds on Saturday (26th May 2012) and Sunday (27th May 2012).
Although faced with a drizzly day on Friday organisers say the weather did not dampen the spirits of the tens of thousands of local, domestic and international blues fans who turned out.
The sun came out for a perfect Gold Coast weekend and it is estimated that in excess of $40 million was generated for the local area, with attendees from around Australia, and strong visitation from New Zealand highlighted in market research conducted over the weekend.
CEO of Broadbeach Alliance Jan McCormick says it was the combination of hard work, incredible performances from more than 200 artists and the support of the local businesses that made the event so successful.
“We have a great team that work incredibly hard to ensure that this annual event is an amazing experience for those that attend, and this year was no different.”
“In these tough economic times our strategy is to continue to present free events which bring tens of thousands of people into our city.”
“The flow on effect is that without having to pay an entrance fee, people spend more money in our local businesses, this assists the local economy through the slower winter months” said Mrs McCormick
Audiences were treated to a line-up including Mick Jagger’s younger brother Chris and his band Chris Jagger’s Atcha! Diesel, Jon Stevens, Phil Emmanuel, Luke Dickens, Nat Col & the Kings featuring the dynamic duo of Nathan Cavaleri and Col Hutchings – former Screaming Jets drummer and many more. The Festival remains a free event with no ticket or entry fee required.
As well as visiting talent, Blues on Broadbeach showcased local stars with Bluesville Station, Blind Lemon, Andrew Baxter & his big band, Mason Rack Band and Mike Beale all astounding audiences over the four days.
Mrs McCormick says that plans are well underway for next year’s festival which is set to be bigger and better in 2013.
“People should look at booking their accommodation sooner rather than later because I can tell you next year is going to be something really special” said Mrs McCormick.
The Broadbeach Alliance team will now turn their focus to preparing for Broadbeach Restaurant Week 13-22 July and the Broadbeach Jazz Festival where Marcia Hines and Vince Jones will headline 19-22 August 2012.
Blues on Broadbeach will be back from the 23rd to the 26th of May 2013.
For more information visit the website www.broadbeachgc.com