2023 line-up: Mackay’s BE Social festival back bigger than ever

One of the most successful festivals to hit Mackay is set to return, expanding to entertain more music lovers and welcoming its biggest acts to date.

One of the most successful festivals to hit Mackay is set to return for a third time with a bigger line-up.

BE Social will take over Harrup Park on Saturday, June 24, expanding to a larger capacity and welcoming its biggest acts to date.

Presented by LiSTNR and with Mackay City Council and Tourism and Events Queensland backing, BE Social acts include rock legends Grinspoon, ARIA award-winning artist Vera Blue, Australian-grown indie group San Cisco, hip-hop royalty 360 and more.

Speaking with LiSTNR exclusively on Thursday morning, Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson said the band had not played in Mackay for more than a decade and couldn’t wait to perform for their fans.

“It has been way too long between drinks. When we first started we would tour there (Mackay) a fair bit, we’d drive up and down that coastline of Queensland in a van going from Cairns down to Brisbane so we are really excited to be invited back to play this incredible festival,” Jamieson said.

“I’m not sure what the setlist will involve, it is only March 2, so when we get to June 24, the setlist might change.”

Festival director Michael Delaney was excited and hoped audiences would enjoy the show.

“We can’t wait for the 2023 event to see the punters enjoying themselves and coming together as we aim to grow this event to be an iconic event for the NQ region,” he said.

Mackay’s BE Social festival will take over Harrup Park on June 24. Picture: BE Social

Other artists to feature at 2023’s BE Social include LSI, RedHook and Coterie, with musicians playing across multiple stages with VIP opportunities, “thriller” amusement rides, and myriad activitations and food vendors on offer.

Aussie rockers Grinspoon will perform at the event. Picture: Supplied

BE Social acts include Vera Blue. Picture: Nev Madsen

Since its first event in December 2021, BE Social has aimed to be “the largest non-touring single day event in Queensland” and “a celebration of community and a testament to the resilience of the Mackay community”.

Despite Covid changes and unprecedented weather, the inaugural fest in 2021 was a big hit at the showgrounds.

Mr Delaney said the team of believers around the festival has been “very significant”.

“Without them, along with the support of major partners and sponsors, we would not be able to pull off an outstanding event that is now proving to turn a lot of heads in the industry and regionally,” he said.

General admission tickets start at $80 for pre-sale, $90 on sale and $99 for final release.

Gold tickets are priced between $110 to $130 while platinum tickets are $230.

For more information and ticket sales, visit the BE Social website.