Meatstock Toowoomba: Major festival axed as cyclone nears southeast

A major southeast Queensland event, set to host some of the biggest names in country music, will not go ahead due to the approaching Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The organisers of popular Toowoomba event Meatstock have confirmed the event will not go ahead this weekend, as southeast Queensland braces for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Organisers took to social media on Tuesday morning, saying they were “absolutely gutted” to confirm the nearly sold-out event had been shelved.

Shane Scott (left) and Brad Reddaway at Meatstock last year. Picture: Bev Lacey

“We threw everything at this event to make it truly unforgettable: three international headliners, 7m-high inflatables, a ferris wheel, dodgems, a 10-pole big top tent, our largest line-up of pitmasters ever, fireworks, a fire show, 50 big rig trucks, flags, fire kitchen, and all the usual Meatstock craziness,” the post said.

“This was always going to be a damned if we do, damned if we don’t situation.

Some will be deeply disappointed by this decision, while others will be relieved. We hope you understand this was not in our control.”

Organisers said “Mother Nature has the final say”.

Meatstock – Music, Barbecue and Camping Festival at Toowoomba Showgrounds. Friday March 8, 2024 Picture: Bev Lacey

“We also wanted to make this decision as early as possible to give everyone time to make alternative arrangements,” they said.

Meatstock has become an iconic staple in the Darling Downs events scene, which annually combines country tunes, bull riding and strongman competitions with some of the best barbecue in the country.

United States acts Chase Rice and Oliver Anthony Music will set to perform alongside popular Australian musicians like Taylor Moss and Brad Cox.

American country-folk singer-songwriter Oliver Anthony, aka Christopher Anthony Lunsford, whose song 'Rich Men North of Richmond' debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in August 2023. Picture: YouTube

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is tipped to make landfall as a category 2 system, and weaken to a tropical low when it reaches Toowoomba.

Emergency services are still expecting the Garden City to be hit with massive winds and large downpours.

Moshtix will provide refunds to ticketholders automatically.