The Gold Coast’s iconic Blues on Broadbeach festival is underway as the event marks its 25th anniversary.
From its humble beginnings as a two-stage set up at Oasis Shopping Centre, Blues on Broadbeach has grown to be one the country’s favourite music festivals.
Tens of thousands of music fans are expected to turn out in Broadbeach for the festival, which runs until Sunday night.
An estimated 130,000 attended last year, pumping $27 million into the local economy.
This year’s festival features 76 artists across 18 stages and venues.
Festival Director Mark Duckworth says they couldn’t be happier to get it underway, admitting 25 years is an incredible achievement.
“We’re really excited. We work all year to get here and it’s finally rolling,” Duckworth said.
“I think the location and the sense of community in those early years where they really built an amazing foundation here has what has kept it sustained itself for so many years.
“So, 25 years it’s great and we we’re tipping our hat to it throughout the whole festival this year.”
This year’s big line-up includes Aussie legend Ian Moss, who will hit the Kurrawa Park stage on Friday, Robert Finley and Grammy award winning Ruthie Foster.
Foster says it feels special to be a part of it.
“I love being here, you know, ever since, I think it’s been about 15 years my first trip here and I remember just every show was I took my shoes off just I really wanted to feel it made me feel grounded just being here and I’m just I’m happy to get invited back,” Foster said.
The event will wrap up on Sunday night with a huge performance by The Teskey Brothers as part of Sunday’s ticketed event.
Unfortunately, showers and cool weather are forecast across the four days, but Duckworth says they’re used to it.
“We absolutely would be happier with blue skies, but something we have learned over many, many years of Blues on Broadbeach is that that is not always a given.
“By design, it’s always going to be gloomyish, but people have a great time.”
