Another music festival with star-studded lineups lost to rising costs

Supermarket giants grilled in Parliamentary inquiry

The Caloundra Music Festival, which usually takes place annually on the Sunshine Coast, has joined the growing list of major events across the country cancelled over the crippling cost of living pressures.

Organisers confirmed the festival will “take a break” this year, four months out from when it was set to bring crowds to Kings Beach in October.

The decision was attributed to rising expenses and cost of living impacts on ticket sales.

“CMF, like many other festivals, has experienced rising operating costs, including event infrastructure, production, security, policing, labour/crew costs, travel/ transport, accommodation and others,” organisers said in a statement.

“Additionally, the impact of higher interest rates, rent, fuel, power and food costs on household budgets means patrons have less disposable income for festival tickets and other entertainment.”

The council-backed festival was green-lit to run two events each year from 2023 to 2025 and has brought in an estimated $4 million to the region annually since it began in 2007.

It has boasted incredible lineups including Missy Higgins, Empire of the Sun, The Veronicas, Powderfinger and Angus and Julia Stone and was named the 2023 People’s Choice Award for Festival of the Year by the Queensland Music Awards.

Organisers and council said running two events over three years could still be a viable option and were hopeful to return in 2025 – but only if conditions improve.

Councillor Terry Landsberg said the cancellation was a “real loss” for the local industry and businesses that supported and benefited from the festival for many years.

“Hopefully, conditions will improve, and it can get back on its feet,” he said.

Festival director Richie Eyles added it would be a blow to local artists who were given a leg up sharing the stage with international names like Michael Franti and Arrested Development.

“The Sunshine Coast has such a vibrant music community and the loss of CMF, alongside other events in 2024, like Groovin the Moo, will be felt deeply,” he said.

“I encourage people to support other festivals, venues and artists by purchasing tickets often and early.”

Caloundra Music Festival is the latest festival in the last two years to call it quits over cost of living pressures following Splendour in the Grass, Groovin’ in the Moo, Coastal Jam, Vintage Vibes, Dark Mofo and Valleyways.

The conversation has entered parliament, with the Greens urging the Albanese government to consider providing festival support in the upcoming Federal Budget.

“We need to save people’s jobs as well as these festivals,” Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said following the cancellation of Splendour in the Grass.

“It’s clear that there is an urgent need for government support to keep the industry going through these uncertain economic times.”