The Groovin the Moo music festival for 2024 has been cancelled, just weeks after the artist line-up was revealed.
After making its debut on the Sunshine Coast last year at the Western Fields at Kawana, this year’s event was to be staged on Sunday, May 5, at Sunshine Coast Stadium, with an expanded capacity of 35,000 patrons.
But in a shock statement released today, organisers said the event had been cancelled at all six locations around Australia.
“We are extremely disappointed to announce that the Groovin the Moo 2024 tour has been forced to cancel,” they said.
“Ticket sales have not been sufficient to deliver a regional festival of this kind.
“All tickets will be refunded automatically.
“Thank you to everybody who has supported the festival. We hope to be able to bring Groovin the Moo back to regional communities in the future.”
On this year’s line-up were Australian acts DMA’s, Hot Dub Time Machine, The Jungle Giants, Mallrat, San Cisco and Alison Wonderland.
They were to be joined by GZA from Wu-Tang, Stephen Sanchez, Claire Rosenkranz and Armani White from the US; Melanie C (aka Sporty Spice), Kenya Grace, The Kooks and Mura Masa from the UK; The Beaches from Canada; and Meduza from Italy.
Tickets to the music festival went on sale on Tuesday, February 6.
Last month Sunshine Coast Council Division 3 Councillor Peter Cox welcomed the return of the festival.
“It was important to retain this event allowing access to our community to a major music festival whilst also providing a welcome economic boost to the region,” he said.
“These types of festivals are integral to our region’s social and economic prosperity.
“In addition to the numerous attendees who travel and stay on the Coast to attend the festival, more than 1000 people were employed to deliver the one-day event. It is estimated that the event provides a $5 million economic boost to the region.”
A GTM spokesperson said the feedback for last year’s event had been “very positive”.
“An event like Groovin the Moo injects significant funds into the local economy, supporting the hospitality industry and local businesses,” they said.
“The event also supports local artists and community groups, offering opportunities to be involved in the festival in the lead-up to and on event day.”
Last year’s event featured alt-j (UK), Australian Idol judge Amy Shark, Ball Park Music, Fatboy Slim (UK), Coast favourites The Chats, Eliza Rose (UK) and Ocean Alley.
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