Australia’s largest nostalgia festival, Cooly Rocks On, returns to Coolangatta on the Gold Coast from 5-9 June ready to celebrate the motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear with organisers gearing up for huge crowds.
Ticketed shows at the award-winning festival are now on sale including the highly anticipated Show ‘N’ Shine - one of the country’s biggest showcases of classic cars.
The incredible display runs over the weekend on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June, now spanning seven zones and showcasing over 900 cars throughout the iconic beachside precinct. Open to vehicles manufactured prior to and including 1979, featuring classic cars, hot rods, and more, the Cooly Rocks On Show ‘N’ Shine is on the bucket list for car enthusiasts across the country and is free for spectators.
“In terms of spectator numbers, this is the biggest car show in Queensland. There are no other car shows that compare to Cooly Rocks On. The atmosphere is electric. There’s something so unique and special about seeing all of these cars on show and cruising the streets,” said Shannons Insurance Business Development Manager Phil Ross.
“The beach culture also adds to the atmosphere of the car show. There are American cars, Aussie cars, British cars, muscle cars and more. This year at Shannons we are focusing on the 60th anniversary of the launch of the iconic Ford Mustang.”
For those eager to start their engines early, the Early Bird Show ‘N’ Shine will be held on Thursday 6 June and Friday 7 June with tickets now available.
The five-day festival is free to attend with bespoke ticketed offerings available for those who wish to elevate their Cooly Rocks On 2024 experience.
Dancers can look forward to jitterbugging the night away at their favourite sell-out event, the Moonlight Swing Dance to be hosted in the Elvis Marquee on the Coolangatta beachfront on Thursday 6 June. Plus, they can close out their festival experience with the Beachside Rock ‘N’ Roll Dance on Sunday 9 June.
Elvis Presley fans are also in for a treat, with the Era's of Elvis featuring Louis Brown (USA), Che Orton (NZ), Jack Gatto and Charlie Gaylard on Wednesday 5 June and ELVIS! From Hollywood to New York City! featuring Dwight Icenhower (USA) on Friday 7 June.
Considered one of the best Elvis Tribute Artists in the world, with five world-championships under his lavish belt, Dwight Icenhower will be Taking Care of Business as one of three international headline Elvis acts gracing Coolangatta this year.
Tickets are also now on sale for all three rounds of the Cooly Rocks On Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (UETA) Contest. Attracting some of the best tribute artists in the country and overseas, this renowned annual contest is one of only two in Australia sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises with the winner going on to represent Cooly Rocks On in Memphis later this year.
On Saturday 8 June, music lovers can secure a ticket to take a ride back in time for The Beatnix Show, regarded as one of the best Beatles tribute shows in Australia. Later that evening the Creedence Clearwater Survival Show will revive the energy of the band's iconic powerhouse performances on stage in the Elvis Marquee.
Tickets are almost sold out for the festival’s exclusive VIP Legends Passes providing fans with the ultimate Elvis inspired experience including premium seating, VIP drink service, exclusive events and performances, a meet and greet with Dwight Icenhower, Louis Brown and fellow Elvis Tribute Artists, VIP Legends goodie bags and much more. With over $1,000 in value, pass holders can get the ultimate VIP Elvis experience for just $499 but will need to be quick!
Applications are also now open for the 2024 Cooly Rocks On Pin-Up Pageant, with both a ‘Classic’ and ‘Rockabilly’ crown up for grabs this year. The pageant is all inclusive and attracts entries from as far afield as the USA and New Zealand, and is a highlight of the annual festival.
“Aussies have a wonderful connection to the music and culture of yesteryear. Holden cars, rock ’n’ roll and trips to the beach remain some of the fondest memories of decades gone by,” said Festival Director Mark Duckworth.
“Making the annual pilgrimage to the iconic Coolangatta foreshore for Cooly Rocks On is becoming a rite of passage for nostalgia lovers and classic car owners and our fan base has really grown in recent years. In 2023 we saw record crowds again, with close to 160,000 people enjoying the festival in perfect winter sunshine. Whether you’re 16 or 60 there is something for everyone at Cooly Rocks On.”
In addition to the ticketed shows, fans of rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly and swing music can immerse themselves in the packed program of free live music on outdoor and indoor stages throughout Coolangatta, featuring some of Australia’s best acts. Keep an eye out for the music lineup to be announced in the coming months.
Cooly Rocks On is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland.
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Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
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