Big changes coming to SandTunes as music festival finds new home at Metricon Stadium

Organisers have announced a bevy of changes to SandTunes, including radically different ticket prices, following confirmation it is moving to Metricon Stadium.

TICKET prices to SandTunes have been slashed, and other changes have been announced as festival promoters confirm the event’s the move from Coolangatta Beach to Metricon Stadium.

The organiser behind SandTunes, Paul Dainty, said he is happy with the move as they are able to give festivalgoers cheaper tickets and more bang for their buck.

The cost of two day tickets has now dropped to $299, from $399, with single day tickets dropping to $129 from $209.

Mr Dainty said the organisers would be offering free transport to and from the Carrara venue and would be issuing refunds.

Originally the festival was planned for the beachfront at Coolangatta.

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The event, which was previously planned to be held in the city’s south at Coolangatta Beach, was strictly 18+, but the move had also allowed for new licensing options, meaning the age restrictions had been lowered to 15 and over.

Mr Dainty, who has been promoting major music events for more than 35 years, said he was surprised by the local reaction.

“I was surprised because when we started out everyone was so behind it. We spent many, many months, up to two years, talking to everyone,” he said.

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Metricon Stadium has been announced as the new home of the SandTunes music festival after backlash over the event being held at Coolangatta Beach. Picture: Emily Halloran

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“We had (spent) years talking to numerous stakeholders on the Gold Coast from police and authorities, we had the council permit in place after many, many months of negotiation with council. But then ultimately locals pushed back. Obviously didn’t like the idea. They were very, very anti-it.

“After talking with Kate Jones and Meaghan Scanlon we came to the conclusion we should listen and take it on board.

“All we were trying to do was bring major events to the Gold Coast. We thought everyone would embrace the event on the beach. We thought it was a great concept. It’s a shame but we move on.

“We love the stadium so it was a fairly easy decision after lots of conversation.”

Mr Dainty said they are undecided if sand would be trucked in to the event but they would be keeping the name SandTunes.

Paul Dainty said he was surprised by the backlash but happy with the move.

The festival, attracting major international acts such as Travis Scott, Logic, Chvrches and Carly Rae Jepsen, is expected to draw tens of thousands of people.

The event had recently come under fire from southern Gold Coasters concerned about safety, the lack of consultation and local business and accommodation concerns over the two-day event starting November 30.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones announced the location change this morning after she and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon began negotiating with promoters last Wednesday.