Rockhampton River Festival is proud to announce the return of the much-loved Country on Quay opening night concert, as part of its 10th anniversary celebration this July.
This year's festival on 26-28 July promises a dynamic blend of cultural, food, and music experiences, with Country on Quay once again showcasing Australia's finest country music stars.
Following its triumphant debut in 2022, Country on Quay returns with an outstanding lineup set to captivate audiences. Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams is thrilled to reveal the headline acts for this year's event.
"Kicking off the festival on Friday, July 26, Tunuba Stage will be headlined by the internationally acclaimed Travis Collins. Country on Quay will also feature exceptional up-and-coming country artists, Gemma Kirby, Lewis McKee and recent Australian Idol sensation Trent Richardson," Mayor Williams said.
As one of Australia's most beloved country singer-songwriters, Travis Collins is expected to take the Tunuba Stage by storm at Rockhampton River Festival on Friday, July 26th.
"Rockhampton has always been a real country music city and one of our favourite places to play. We can't wait to get back there for Country on Quay in July. It will definitely be a good time," Travis said.
With a career spanning nine albums, over 36 million streams, and numerous accolades including nine Golden Guitar Awards and four CMC Awards, Travis Collins is set to deliver an unforgettable performance of heartfelt ballads and exhilarating country-rock anthems.
Gemma Kirby and her band are bringing their powerhouse performance to Country on Quay with her wealth of experience and energy, having opened for iconic acts like Jimmy Barnes and Shannon Noll. After a brief hiatus to focus on family, Gemma is back with new music in 2024, ready to captivate audiences once again with her unique voice, edgy lyrics, and captivating performances. Gemma Kirby's return promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
Local artist Lewis McKee, born and raised in the Beef Capital, is set for a breakout year. After nearly a decade of performing at various venues and festivals and supporting major acts such as Busby Marou McKee is on the cusp of releasing his debut EP in June 2024. His success with independent singles "Into My Soul," "Coming Home," and "That Love" has paved the way for a promising future.
Local up-and-coming artist Trent Richardson swiftly captured hearts as a standout contestant on Australian Idol this year. With his dynamic talent and charismatic presence, Trent is set to make a lasting impact in the world of music with a single release coming soon.
Advance Rockhampton Tourism and Events Manager Zac Garven expressed excitement for River Festivals milestone year.
"The Fitzroy River, known as Tunuba, has been the lifeblood of Central Queensland since the time of the Dreaming. In 2014, Council launched Rockhampton River Festival to celebrate the river's glory and its vital role in supporting our community. Over the past decade, the three-day celebration has leveraged the riverbank's stunning natural and built heritage to create lasting memories and offer rich experiences in arts, culture, entertainment, and food."
"Rockhampton River Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and we can't wait to announce the full program lineup. We encourage locals to extend a warm invitation to friends and family, urging them to visit our region and immerse themselves in the magic of the entire festival."
