9 minute read
MITCHELL CREEK ROCK N BLUES FEST
DIRECTOR'S COMMUNITY MESSAGE
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The 2022 festival site team are excited as work is underway, tractors slashing and mulching, whipper snippers buzzing away as we do this time every year preparing for our 11th Mitchell Creek Rock 'N Blues Fest from 16-18 September – and the ticket includes an early rope off.
Queensland and Local Governments recognise this event's tourist visitation is important to the local economy including increased Kandanga business trade and local employment.
Community feedback on our local tele-communications network was addressed. Last year MCRNB engaged senior Telstra management who performed investigations into the poor coverage in the Kandanga area. Their report on the network during the event period was held stated that:-
“Telstra reviewed network performance in the Kandanga area during the recent Mitchell Creek Rock'N Blues Festival and noted no evidence of performance degradation that would result in failed emergency calls. As noted in your email, the festival location does sit outside of our advertised coverage, meaning coverage extension devices would be required in order to provide usable mobile signal. This effectively insulates the event in its ability to majorly impact mobile capacity to the nearby Kandanga community.
That said with the major increase in visitors to the town and surrounding area, we did observe a reduction in typical speeds as well as an increase in failed call attempts, likely from customers attempting to make calls in poorer coverage areas.
This coverage feedback has been shared with our network planners who will consider this location for possible inclusion in future co-investment programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program. It was intended to submit the project in Round 6 but with the new government the grant has not been opened or updated.
However, once the announcements are made, it is intended to be part of Telstra’s submission.”
The new system the festival now has in place for communications are Satellite networks for Wi-Fi and internet access in the box office.
Eftpos transactions will be processed via Lan Satellite connection. Wi-Fi calling via the Satellite system. We have asked Telstra to monitor their network in the Kandanga area during the 2022 festival period again this year.
There are also other new additions to the festival – these being the mobile hospital with doctors available for scripts and a medication dispensary if required for everyone’s convenience as our commitment to our community health and safety is the utmost priority.
We are also excited to announce the Zeppelin Bar will be open again this year serving cocktails, brewed beers, select wines and all your favourite beverages.
Jimmy Budgen, Director MCRNB.
2021 MCRNB BY BRIAN TISDALL
BYO everything, free camping, $20 for two week early rope off ticket holders and $40 non-ticket holders – for the three amazing bands starting at 5pm. Pay at the gate on entry. There's also a hot food vender on the night and Sunday morning. ”
2022 OFFERS EXTRA SERVICES
Mitchell Creek Rock 'N Blues Fest invites patrons to join its family within, on the ultimate hinterland camping escape, revelling in foodie delights and world class live music up close and personal as the spirit of the place works its relaxing and revitalising magic. So does it deliver on its promise? If the jubilant faces on patrons and artists alike are anything to go by each year, then a resounding “yes” echoes through the 90 acre private bushland property!
Nestled in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland, around two hours north of Brisbane and 45 minutes west of Noosa, the event turns on an amazing four-night/three-day show.
Australia plays host to many a fine festival promoting top acts and delighting audiences and there’s no doubt that the Mitchell Creek Rock 'N Blues Fest puts together a stellar program line-up that absolutely moves the crowd to the music.
Yet it also offers a unique combination of options that adds up to something quite special and a little bit different from just another festival experience.
The magic begins from the moment patrons turn onto the Mary Valley scenic route. The simple pleasures of a country drive, noticing livestock happily grazing on green pastures against a backdrop of fragrant hillside eucalypts vanishes day to day worries as they are exhaled away with every breath of fresh air.
Charming towns offer the chance to explore the area and what is on offer, or to stop off and enjoy local hospitality and a bite to eat or beverage along the way.
Excitement builds as the Mitchell Creek Rock 'N Blues sign comes into view and the drive takes a turn down the festival lane through graceful, native Australian trees that create a natural bushland wall surrounding the property – which itself is shaped in a huge amphitheatre creating clear, warm acoustics.
Patrons can pull in with their tent or campervan and have the option of choosing their own campsite either close to the action – high up on the hills for a birds eye view – tucked away in a private secluded space in the shade of the forest – beside groves of fruit trees – or down by the cooling creek.
No shuttle buses needed here, free parking is conveniently located right next to the campsites.
For those who prefer it, or are flying in with minimal luggage, there are pre-erected tent motels with carpet, comfy mattresses and shade awnings for glamping it up. Toilets and hot showers are plentiful throughout the property and fastidiously maintained for optimum comfort.
ATM machines are available and camera battery charging is available for a modest fee.
Security, paramedics and a helipad for emergencies are all provided for peace of mind.
Pictured above, the new all-seasons mega-top covers everyone! Generally Queensland's spring weather turns on beautiful sunny blue skies by day and sparkling stars in the clear black nights that shine much brighter away from city lights and pollution.
Waking up to each day is so peaceful with abundant wildlife scampering about and birds singing their good morning songs. Patrons are free to bring their own food and drinks and join friends for a singalong around a crackling campfire (when permitted by the fire service) – which all creates a relaxed feel that takes many back to childhood memories whilst catching up with old friends and making new ones as easily as at a family barbecue.
The ability to share the experience with like-minded people who love music and camping has often been cited as a key reason why people come to the festival and many groups form and make it an annual pilgrimage – from all states and territories.
Patrons who choose to forget about cooking can dine on the fresh, locally grown produce and delicious meals from the street stalls especially selected to cater to mainstream tastes and all manner of dietary needs, including organic meats, fruit and vegetables, gluten and dairy free, vegan and vegetarian fare.
A spacious beer garden with fully stocked bar is also available with a clear view of the stages. There is no evidence of over trodden ground here with plenty of room to move about freely without being jostled in a large faceless crowd.
With a cap on ticket numbers limited to 3000 it's large enough to be exciting and small enough that people can still recognise each other and say “g’day” to someone they met earlier, or find a more secluded vantage point and still not miss a thing.
The calibre of music is nothing short of incredible with over 150 highly talented rock and blues artists from Australia and overseas vying for a spot on the program! Musicians love playing at Mitchell Creek and it shows.
Sound engineers pay careful attention to detail with high quality audio emanating from the two prime positioned stages that rotate seamlessly between performances. There’s no waiting around while the next artist sets up – patrons can settle back in a comfy spot enjoying continuous music and never miss a show!
Lighting effects are equally impressive shooting out from the stages in a blaze of colour and excitement reaching into the crowd below. Everyone gets swept up in the surreal carnival vibe.
The artists soak up the atmosphere like fuel as they deliver electric performances that interact so closely with the crowd.
Many artists wander ‘round mingling and chatting with patrons or join in the nightly jams at the Zeppelin Bar.
The music reaches out to patrons wherever they are, whether dancing in the mosh pit, wandering around the friendly food, art and clothing stalls dotted throughout the grounds, or even just chilling out in the campsite. Every part of the property delivers a prime vantage point and crystal clear sound to enjoy the festival. As intimate and moving as a house concert, yet as powerful and raunchy as a stadium event. All ages are welcome and there are organised children’s activities to give parents a break.
Now in its eleventh year, coming along to this festival is like being let in on an exciting little secret that continues to grow bigger and better as word spreads through the bush telegraph and up and down the highways and skyways.
The smiles and laughter in the photos and videos that are shared over and over on social media capture the memories and speak volumes about all the fun patrons are having, often commenting – “That was amazing! I can’t wait until next year to do it all again!” Word of mouth is by far the most effective publicity this boutique festival has attained. Don't miss it, book online now.
2022 MCRNB LINEUP
2022 MCRNB LINEUP
2022 MCRNB LINEUP
