Taylor Steele’s Solento Surf Festival coming to the Gold Coast from June 7 to 14
An American week-long surf festival featuring music, film, art and … surfing, is barrelling towards the Gold Coast. Check out how you can compete with surfing pros
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An American week-long surf festival featuring music, film, art and … surfing, is barrelling towards the Gold Coast.
The eight-day Solento Surf Festival will take over several locations on the Gold Coast including Burleigh Heads, the new Mondrian Hotel, and HOTA from June 7 to 14.
The mastermind behind it, award-winning surf filmmaker Taylor Steele, said it was time to bring the San Diego event to the birthplace of the world’s surfing professionals.
“The idea of the Solento Surf Festival is to bring the Gold Coast community together to share stories and culture inspired by surfing,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to experience pretty much every surf film festival from around the world, and I’m excited to help bring Solento Surf Festival to one of my favourite places.”
On Saturday, June 7, the festival will feature a community surf contest at Burleigh Heads where locals can ride against pro surfers.
In previous years, Gold Coast greats such as three-times world champion Mick Fanning and arguably the greatest pro surfer of all time, 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, attended.
Mr Steele said the day would have live music, a pop-up beach bar and food vendors.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate: “What a coup to secure this incredible surf festival which underscored the rich history of surfing as a sport.
“Apart from an epic day of competition at Burleigh, the festival will draw crows to film screenings, live music and masterclasses.
“With that in mind, it’s only appropriate our city has been chosen as the first destination outside the United States to host Solento.
“We are the spiritual home of surfing in Australia.”
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said it was a perfect opportunity for locals, visitors to “share their passion for waves”.
“With our world-renowned surf breaks and our evolving arts scene, this festival reinforces our reputation as a hub for surfers, creatives and ocean lovers alike while showcasing our iconic beaches and arts precinct at HOTA.”
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Originally published as Taylor Steele’s Solento Surf Festival coming to the Gold Coast from June 7 to 14
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