Australia’s music festival crisis has deepened, with organisers of the latest event to pull the pin making clear that inflationary pressures “puts festivals like this in a precarious position”. Caloundra Music Festival last year attracted 16,000 people to Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast over three days, pumping an estimated $4 million into the local economy. Organisers say the Sunshine Coast Council-funded festival has been “paused” for 2024 and may return next year.
Caloundra Music Festival director Richie Eyles issued a plea to music lovers on behalf of the festival industry. “I encourage people to support other festivals, venues and artists by purchasing tickets often and early,” Eyles said. “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.