With 1300 songs, 135 live shows and close to 60 homegrown and international artists across 15 stages, Groundwater Country Music Festival 2023 was a party to remember.
Tens of thousands of music fans flocked to the Gold Coast to help with the ten-year celebrations. The crowds and atmosphere over the past three days reflecting Australia’s growing love affair with country music. It’s not surprising considering Australia has one of the biggest fan bases in the world.
Australian country music royalty Lee Kernaghan, Amber Lawrence, Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole, The Wolfe Brothers and Gold Coast local Casey Barnes were among a stacked lineup that also featured the next wave of Australian Country artists.
“Ten years ago, we went out on a limb and put on a country music festival on the Gold Coast. Since then, country music has exploded into one of the most popular music genres in Australia and it is exciting to see our festival heaving with new and loyal fans.” – Mark Duckworth, Festival Director.
From Paul Thorn in 2013 to US sensation Jackson Dean in 2023, having an international flavour to the festival’s program over the past ten years has helped cement Groundwater CMF within the Australian country music scene.
“I don’t think you can turn down an opportunity to go play in Australia. It’s awesome that as far south as south goes, English speaking, there’s a crowd that knows some words to my songs. It’s a dream come true to play on the beautiful Gold Coast at Groundwater Country Music Festival.” - Jackson Dean, artist.
USA Country Music legends Asleep at the Wheel and Canada’s Dungarees also bolstered the international program with acclaimed singer-songwriters Melissa Carper and Summer Dean.
Since the festival’s inception, it has welcomed close to 400 country acts and has been a springboard for emerging artists.
“I have watched this festival grow over the five years I have been there and there’s no doubt Groundwater CMF is one of the best country music festivals in Australia. It’s a real honour to be on this lineup because there are such amazing Australian artists like Lee Kernaghan, The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes and incredible international artists, like Jackson Dean, so to have that high calibre of artists on the Gold Coast playing at a free country music festival is amazing.” - Chloe Styler, artist.
Groundwater CMF first timer Sara Berki had to ‘pinch’ herself during the KIX LIVE – Songwriters segment. Perched on stage in between Jackson Dean and Amber Lawrence while watching the performances of idol Adam Harvey it was a moment she’ll never forget.
“I literally cannot believe I am already in the company of my idols. Groundwater is making my dreams a reality.” – Sara Berki, artist
It wasn’t just music lovers that benefited, local businesses were also heaving. As the popularity of the country music genre and the love for Groundwater CMF continues to surge, it will be exciting to see what evolves in the next ten years.
Groundwater CMF wraps after another successful year with thanks to our Sponsor Family – City of Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland, P&O Cruises, Gold Coast Airport, Clean Vibes, EVENTelec, KIX Country, 102.9 Hot Tomato, the Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA) and our charity partner Drought Angels.
Groundwater CMF is supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.