Now a staple of the Sunshine Coast events calendar, Sunshine Sounds Festival is back in 2023 as part of the Horizon Festival programme.
Focused on bringing community together through the power of music, Sunshine Sounds Festival nourishes the local grassroots while also offering a selection of established names, First Nations performers and emerging talent.Now in its third year, Festival Director (and five-time ARIA Award-winning local songstress) Katie Noonan is practically bursting with pride to share their magic patch of paradise with both locals and travellers alike.
"At its heart, Sunshine Sounds Festival uses the power of music to bring people together – and what better time to celebrate than the first weekend of spring and Father's Day weekend," Katie says.
"Our line-up for 2023 is incredible, with a real mix of artists with something for everyone.
"Indie-pop darlings Frente – who have recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of their two-time ARIA Award-winning record 'Marvin The Album'; as a Sunshine Sounds exclusive, this will be Frente's first ever performance on the Sunny Coast!
"Plus some of our country's finest First Nations artists including the legendary Fred Leone who recently performed to a live audience of 100,000 for the AFL Dreamtime at the MCG.
"Poet laureate and official National Living Treasure Michael Leunig, with his folk-jazz bandmates Zac and Ben (and myself!) from ARIA-winning band elixir, in our second album collaboration 'A Small Shy Truth'.
"Alongside these household names, we will be presenting some of the finest up and coming artists from around Australia and the Sunshine Coast, including 26-year-old triple j darlings Clea and Eliott, festival favourites Cigány Weaver, the delightful Abby Dobson of Leonardo's Bride fame and up and coming local artists Frank and Louis and Layla Barnett.
Here, Katie shares her local knowledge of Sunshine Coast with five local hidden treasures to indulge in.
1: Saltwater Eco Tours
Gently sail the magic waters of Gubbi Gubbi Country while listening to awesome original indie Aussie music and drinking locally sourced beverages and snacks. Our waterways are truly beautiful and so peaceful – this is the perfect way to explore our patch of paradise.
2: Eumundi Markets
Since 1979, these artisan-run markets have provided the perfect place to sell unique products and eat and drink like a queen. This is the perfect way to spend your Saturday morning before you join us across the road at Sunshine Sounds Festival on Saturday 2 September.
3. Bar Deco
This is one of my favourite local restaurants featuring a wonderful European wine and beer list, and really delicious food!This is my go to for my regular ladies dinners and each time we have a wonderful time under the careful care of the owner Henry and his staff. Henry has also recently started presenting live music, so even better!
4: Noosa Springs Spa
This is my ideal place to disappear from the world and switch off. Featuring a Roman-style hydrotherapy pool, a floatation room, infra red sauna and steam room, plus a range of wonderful treatments, this is the ultimate pamper day.
5: Noosa Fairy Pools
This is a completely gorgeous place to swim in crystal clear waters and be in a moment of gratitude as you marvel at the beauty of our patch of paradise.Sunshine Sounds Festival takes place at Eumundi School Of Arts Hall (Sunshine Coast / Gubbi Gubbi Country) 2-3 September.
Sunshine Sounds Festival 2023 Line-up
FrenteElixir with Michael Leunig
Katie Noonan and string quartet
Abby Dobson (Leonardo's Bride)
Deline Briscoe
Clea
Eliott
Sue Ray
Cigány Weaver
Jungaji
Fred Leone
Louise King
Sugarbag Blonde
Mark Moroney
Frank and Louis
Layla Barnett
Eumundi School Of Music Band
Sunshine Sounds Community Choir
Craft Workshops
Gubbi Gubbi Welcome To Country
