As the sun sets on almost two decades of Island Vibe Festival, in its current incarnation at least, festival goers are preparing to gather for what will be, most likely, the final celebration on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).
This 25-27 October, the SE QLD event will close its current chapter marking the end of an era for one of the area's most beloved underground music festivals.For Festival Director Morgyn Quinn, deciding to pause Island Vibe wasn't easy. "It is with a great deal of sadness to have to put the festival on hiatus," he says, reflecting on the festival's history.
"Island Vibe has been a very wild and rewarding 18-year journey for me. The good times far outweigh the bad, and as a festival director you really get put through the wringer sometimes."
Despite navigating the financial ups and downs that come with running a large-scale event, Island Vibe has persevered thanks to a loyal community of music lovers. However, recent developments on Minjerribah have made it difficult to continue.
"Unfortunately, there's a camping monopoly on the Island with a handful of – how to say this nicely? – short-sighted board members, and they have decided to close their campsites during the Island Vibe weekend," Quinn explains.
According to Morgyn, this decision has had a significant impact on the festival's financial sustainability. While the festival is in a relatively strong position, the lack of camping facilities limits its potential to accommodate the thousands of attendees it usually welcomes.
Fortunately, the Quandamooka Traditional Owners have stepped in, offering bush and beach campsites to keep the event alive this year. Island Vibe is more than just a music festival.
Over the years, it has built a reputation as a cultural celebration, deeply connected to the land and people of North Stradbroke Island. "Our byline has often been 'reggae, soul, dub, and Island culture'," Quinn says, noting the festival's programme this year will continue to honour these roots.
"If you're considering coming to Island Vibe this year, it's gonna be a banger. We would love to have you celebrate what could be our last gig on Minjerribah." - Festival Director Morgyn Quinn.
From toddlers to elders, Island Vibe offers something for everyone, and this year's line-up promises to showcase the diverse music and traditions that have made it such a unique experience.
The festival has also prided itself on its sustainability efforts. "Our festival goers tend to have a strong level of appreciation for the natural environment of Minjerribah, and throughout the years our sustainability programme has tried to make as light a footprint as possible," Quinn shares.
This deep respect for the land is a key part of Island Vibe's identity, and it's something the festival team is determined to uphold as they plan for this year's event.
The logistical challenges of running a music festival on an island presents unique obstacles, and for Island Vibe, these have only grown in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic brought additional complications, with rising costs for ferries and accommodation putting extra pressure on the event.
"Since COVID, the cost of ferries and accommodation on Minjerribah has increased sharply, plus Council's extra red tape and costly compliance has made it harder to run the event," Quinn explains.
"We have been fortunate to have developed a loyal festival fanbase who have made Island Vibe their annual holiday and have kept the event afloat through the tough years."
However, the increasing complexity of running the festival has taken its toll. Morgyn draws a contrast between Island Vibe's experience and the more flexible regulations in other parts of Australia.
"Our event plan for Redlands Council is a 200-page thesis, whereas in Far North Qld (where we do Kuranda Roots Festival), our event plan is about a dozen pages," he says. The layers of bureaucracy, though aimed at safety, have made it more difficult for Island Vibe to thrive in its current location. "I don't know how first-time event holders can get through the wall of bureaucracy," Quinn adds.
Over the years, Island Vibe has hosted an incredible array of artists from across the globe, making it a truly international event. "We've hosted groups from Japan, PNG, Aotearoa, Rapa Nui, Brazil, Vanuatu, the Solomons, and New Caledonia," Quinn shares.
This year's line-up is no exception, with a particular focus on the South American community, featuring such artists as Melbourne's Cumbia sensations Amaru Tribe, DJ Aripua, percussion groups Batukanum and Groove Bahia.
However, the heart of Island Vibe lies in its connection to the Quandamooka people, the Traditional Owners of the land. The festival has always been a place where their culture is celebrated and respected.
"Island Vibe has always considered itself the guests of the Quandamooka and North Stradbroke Island community. We have always made the festival accessible to Elders and their families," Quinn says.
This year, the Nunuccal clan's Yulu Burriba Dance Troupe will once again open the festival dancing with Djabugay dancers from the FNQ band The Pad Boys – who are also performing a live set — and Quandamooka musician Sachém will perform a new work, commissioned through an Arts Queensland grant. Quandamooka artists and designers, including Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, will also be exhibiting their art in the festival's gallery space.
As Island Vibe prepares for its final event on Minjerribah, the festival team is determined to go out with a bang. Other highlights of the line-up include international reggae stars like Skarra Mucci, who Quinn notes is "the dancehall president" for good reason, as well as Groote Island's Emily Wurramara, Brisbane reggae lords Kingfisha (with full band), and world-renowned reggae producer Mista Savona, to name just a few.
"Arts Queensland have been very helpful this year in providing us with vital funding for stage and sound infrastructure and to invest in our musical programme," Morgyn says. "Side note: Try not to make your event reliant on arts funding. It's never guaranteed, but it's very welcome."
The festival's inclusivity and community spirit are central to its enduring appeal. "Besides the music stages, we have an Elders space, kids space, two workshop zones, plenty of shade, delicious food, [and] one of the world's most incredible swimming beaches only 30 meters away," Quinn describes, painting a picture of the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere Island Vibe has cultivated over the years.
While this may be the last Island Vibe on North Stradbroke Island for the foreseeable future, Quinn is optimistic about what lies ahead. "Never say die is my motto," he says.
Even if the festival needs to take a break, Morgyn and his team will continue to be involved in the music scene, both in South East Queensland and beyond. They've already partnered with other festivals like Earth Frequency and Kuranda Roots, and there's talk of new collaborations on the horizon.
For now, though, Quinn's focus is on making sure Island Vibe 2024 is a celebration to remember, as well as thanking the crew, volunteers, artists, stall holders, contractors and patrons that have kept the wheels turning for almost two decades.
"If you're considering coming to Island Vibe this year, it's gonna be a banger. We would love to have you celebrate what could be our last gig on Minjerribah," he says. "This isn't a cheap ploy to sell tickets by saying 'last gig', we really hope it isn't, but there is a big chance that it is, so come!"
Island Vibe 2024 takes place at Home Beach (Minjerribah / North Stradbroke Island) from 25-27 October.
Island Vibe 2024 Line-up
Skarra MucciKingfisha
Amaru Tribe
Emily Wurramara
Mista Savona
Jstar
The Pad Boys
Sachem
Versace Boys
District Dub City
Stay Nice & Tahu Dub
Aripua
Batukanum
Sugarfunk Fairies
Groove Bahia
Hex Sound Takeover
Moe Aloha
2Bird
Sunny Side Up
Bass Fairy
Cinnamon Sun
Chop Suey
Fiesta Fiasco
Monsieur Drop
Darren Percival & Kate B
Byron Dreaming
Wax Addicts
Tahlia Tabone
Resonant Hand
Dizzaone
Paula Boo & The Murbah Crew
Bandangga
Pippi Lips
Pablo Laverde
Shadefoot
Stick Mareeba
