Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2021 to showcase the best up and coming performers

The countdown is on to a unique party in paradise where the lesser known acts on the bill generate just as much buzz as the big names.

A festival with a reputation for launching up and coming music stars is returning to Airlie Beach next week, promising multiple opportunities to discover your new favourite band.

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music takes over iconic Whitsunday venues including KCs, Sorrentos, and the Whitsunday Sailing Club from November 5 to 7, with headline acts including The Angels, Troy Cassar-Daley, Toni Childs, and Busby Marou sure to create a party atmosphere like no other.

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music boasts stunning ocean views from almost every one of its 15 venues, including the main tent at Whitsunday Sailing Club. Picture: Supplied

What really sets the event apart from other festivals is that it is the lesser known acts on the bill that generate just as much buzz as the big names.

Since the festival’s inception in 2013, it has become famous for its national ‘Passport to Airlie’ competition giving emerging artists an unrivalled opportunity to showcase their talents on a major stage, with previous winners including The Wayward Sons being picked up for other festivals and going on to support the likes of the Hilltop Hoods on tour.

Singer-songwriter Sarah McLeod of The Superjesus fame will help judge the Passport to Airlie finals at Magnums on Thursday, November 4. Picture: Supplied

Festival founder Gavin Butlin says there are sure to be gems uncovered as eight finalists from Mackay, Darwin, Cairns and Brisbane perform for celebrity judges Sarah McLeod of The Superjesus, local music legend and 4000-gig veteran Kieran McCarthy, and former competitor Rachael Smith of Innocent Eve at Magnums on Thursday November 4, the eve of the festival’s official opening.

Although the competition field and festival itself are smaller this year because of Covid-19 travel restrictions, Mr Butlin is confident there is more than enough on the program to keep crowds entertained all weekend long.

Iconic Aussie rock band The Angels is sure to lead some rousing singalongs at the 2021 festival. Picture: Supplied

“The vibe in the streets during the day is amazing,” Mr Butlin said.

“You can walk from venue to venue and there’s a hip hop band in one, then there’s a country band, then there’s a blues band and it’s just happening everywhere and then when the sun’s going down, you head over to the tent and then go in and listen to all the big bands.”

A three-day pass gives guests access to all gigs all weekend plus the Monday after-party at Northerlies, with almost every venue featuring a stunning ocean backdrop to compliment the live tunes.

Brisbane hip hop group Butterfingers adds to the eclectic line-up of the 2021 Airlie Beach Festival of Music. Picture: Supplied

Mr Butlin’s hot tips are to keep an ear out for the cream of the crop of young Whitsunday musicians performing at the markets on Saturday and Sunday, and try the local caravan parks for last-minute accommodation where buses will be available to get festival guests around safely.

Find tickets and all the details at the festival website.

Originally published as Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2021 to showcase the best up and coming performers