From ARIA-charting Aussie rock bands to mural artists and comic filmmakers, a festival that celebrates arts and culture is set to make its return from this weekend.
Horizon Festival will take place from May 2-11 and offer more than 50 free and ticketed events across more than 10 Sunshine Coast locations.
Brisbane-based rock group Full Flower Moon Band are heading back to their roots, with two high-energy shows lined up at this year’s Horizon Festival.
Frontwoman Kate Dillon said the five-piece band was looking forward to bringing their signature sound to the region.
The band has been riding a wave of success, including its first overseas tour and a number one ARIA-charting album, Megaflower.
“Most of our members grew up on the Sunny Coast so we have a soft spot for being invited to play Horizon Festival this year,” Dillon said.
“Our show is high-energy rock ‘n’ roll so we will be bringing that to both shows we are playing.
“We really feed off the audience, so I’m excited to feel the fresh energy in the room for the all-ages show at 3pm, and then a more rowdy 18-plus crowd at 7pm.”
Dillon said the band was looking forward to the connecting with younger music lovers.
“We are so excited to play an under-18s show on the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
“It’s really important to let younger crowds enjoy live music in venues, and I’m so happy that Horizon Festival is accommodating that.”
While Full Flower Moon Band’s plans beyond Horizon remain under wraps, Dillion said the band had plenty in the pipeline.
“We have quite a few side quests that are related to the success of our big album release last year – but we cannot give away spoilers just yet,” she said.
Mural artist Alison Mooney will be one of the talents bringing the Urban Gallery to life in Maroochydore.
She will be painting 10 murals in 10 days on one wall near the entrance to the Big Top shopping centre.
“Each one is a collaboration with an artist (or artists) who inspire me – from my favourite comedians to a marching band, an amazing dancer and brilliant visual artists.”
After a hugely popular national touring circuit, Kerbside Collective have created the second iteration of its hilarious live music and film combo, Eddie Ray – Silence of the Jams 2: Lack of Judgement Day.
The all-ages event combines music and film with the plot centres around the world being completely controlled by the internet – with AI ruling the planet.
“This show is a burst of fresh energy, silliness and rock’n’roll,” a statement from Kerbside Collective said.
“Having invented the genre ‘motorcycle cowboy comedy musical’ this is guaranteed to be unlike anything else you’ve seen and is all about celebrating what united us all – being human.
“We’re pumped to be premiering this show here, and we’re keen to get this show out to as many people as possible.”
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Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio councillor David Law said Horizon Festival was a beacon of creativity and community spirit for the Sunshine Coast.
“This festival not only showcases the incredible artistic and creative talent within our region and beyond, it also brings people together to celebrate art, culture and innovation,” Cr Law said.
“With diverse events spread across multiple locations, Horizon offers something for everyone, making it a truly unmissable experience.
“It’s a festival that enriches our community and highlights the Sunshine Coast as a vibrant cultural destination.”
Other events across the festival include a free Opening Night Street Party at Ocean Street, Maroochydore, on May 2, and Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhales Across Australia at UniSC, Sippy Downs, on May 4.
Another key location during the festival is Nambour, with a program of dance and contemporary performance, underground music and visual art with DJs at The Old Ambo.
The First Nations program threads through the festival with highlights including Yauar Warai Wandi – Sing, Dance, Gather – a free event at Coolum on opening weekend.
Explore the program, buy tickets and register for free events at horizonfestival.com.au.
