KickAss Music and Camping Festival at Kenilworth hits council grant hurdle

The organiser of a new hinterland festival spent a week applying for a council grant for the event, only to learn it would come with what he says was an “impossible” catch.

The organiser of an upcoming music and camping festival on the Sunshine Coast says he must cut back on the event after missing out on a council grant because of a “ridiculous” catch to it.

Sunshine Coast-based KickAss Outback Proof Gear, selling outback and camping equipment, is holding a two-day festival, KickAss Music and Camping Festival, at Kenilworth Homestead from September 2-4.

Owner and festival organiser Klaeton Sheehan, 41, said he spent a week applying for a grant from the Sunshine Coast Council only to discover he would have to meet a “stupid” condition to get approval for it.

Mr Sheehan said the condition stated that performing musicians wouldn’t be allowed to perform at other events within 60 days either side of his festival.

“It’s ridiculous,” he said.

KickAss Outback Proof Gear owner Klaeton Sheehan at Kenilworth Homestead. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Sheehan said he had already booked two headline acts, Ross Wilson and Joe Camilleri, meaning it was “impossible” to get the grant because the musicians had other gigs within the condition’s time frame.

“They would’ve told us to go to hell,” he said.

Mr Sheehan, an ex-musician, said he didn’t understand the restriction given gigs helped pump money into the region’s economy and the artists needed support following restraints during the pandemic.

After requesting the grant, Mr Sheehan said he wasn’t allowed to advertise the festival until the grant was approved.

But knowing he couldn’t satisfy the condition and with the event edging closer, Mr Sheehan said he started advertising and, in turn, the council rejected his application.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman said “radius and timing” restrictions placed on musicians, especially high-profile ones, were common in the music and events industry.

The spokesman said they helped give a musician’s gig “some exclusivity”, which increased demand as local fans know it will be one of the few times they can listen to them in a particular area.

“As more events and festivals increase, maintaining a unique festival line-up is crucial for regional venue locations like Kenilworth to remain competitive,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the council would be happy to support the festival because it would help businesses and community goals, adding that “sponsorship negotiations” were still in the works with the event.

Despite the hiccup Mr Sheehan said the festival was still going ahead with ticket sales going “strong”.

“It’s really a positive thing we’re doing,” he said, adding he was grateful to the council for helping connect him with the business community.

Originally published as KickAss Music and Camping Festival at Kenilworth hits council grant hurdle