DZ Deathrays to play at new Mackay festival The Rhythm and The Reef

You can catch DZ Deathrays and The Kite String Tangle alongside some of the state’s best free style wakeboarders in a debut event this October long weekend. Here’s how.

While many parts of Australia are still bracing lockdown, Mackay is being treated with a debut music festival bringing world class acts to its shores.

Rhythm & The Reef festival director Jimmy Cochrane said the new festival was reminiscent of River Sessions sessions, the iconic Mackay music festival that brought the likes of Middle Kids, LRDU and Amy Shark to the region for a decade from 2009.

Since River Sessions disappeared, Mr Cochrane has been working to fill the music void since hosting the EDM style rave party Tuckshop at various venues throughout Mackay.

But Rhythm and The Reef is set to be the jewel in the region’s music festival crown this year with headliners DZ Deathrays, The Kite String Tangle, Odd Mob and others descending upon North Mackay’s Wake House for the October long weekend.

DZ Deathrays will be playing at Mackay's debut Rhythm and Reef festival. Picture: Rhythm and Reef

But it won’t just be for music fans.

The festival will feature some of Queensland and Mackay’s best wakeboarders free styling in the park, live graffiti art and boutique retail vendors including Nobby’s underwear and Boho on the Go.

Mr Cochrane wanted to provide an event that went beyond the classic “ferris wheel and a couple of bands” and into its own cultural entity.

“It’s got a bit of everything,” Mr Cochrane said.

“You’ll never be bored for second.”

Mr Cochrane hoped the event would encourage music fans to visit the region.

“Mackay is a fantastic little area, it’s the gateway to North Queensland and we want to share it with as many people as possible.”

Buy tickets here.