From Darwin to Melbourne and everywhere in between, applications are now open for original acts to enter what has now become Australia’s largest live, original music initiative.
Passport to Airlie’s 2022 winner Perry Street Park have gone on an absolute tear since winning last year's competition, now winning the Bluesfest Byron Bay Busking Competition which saw them playing the Juke Joint stage for Bluesfest 2023. Front Man Benny says of his Passport experience, "I’ve personally been a part of P2A twice. Once as a solo project in 2019 and in 2022 with Perry Street Park. Passport to Airlie gives up and coming bands from all around Australia the opportunity to perform at a renowned festival on the big stage in front of industry and music lovers!”
Regional competitions will be hosted in Melbourne, Newcastle, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Mackay, Cairns and Darwin in a variety of formats.
Each regional winner comes to Airlie to play in the main tent on Thursday the 9th of November to open Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2023. They’ll be hoping for not just an overall win but also the prize of a headline spot at next year’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music.
Passport to Airlie co-ordinator, Cherrie Hughes, said “The chance to be on a bill with international stars was once-in-a-lifetime... fresh new acts and established artists can all enter to have this chance plus the opportunity to build experience and networks as well as their opportunity for a spot on the Airlie Beach Festival of Music line-up.”
Brick Lane Brewing is back again for the second year as the official Passport to Airlie sponsor in 2023, a relationship that has assisted greatly in the growth of Passport. As ambassador for both Brick Lane Brewing and Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Sarah McLeod is also back as head judge and mentor before she rocks the stage with The Superjesus Saturday night. Speaking on the event, Sarah said “Passport is going off, what a great opportunity for bands to be discovered on a legit platform in front of real fans who will follow their journey. Australian Idol this aint!”
Applications for Passport to Airlie 2023 are open now and you can apply HERE, we look forward to seeing all of the incredible talent Australia has to offer!
About Airlie Beach Festival of Music
With its idyllic waterfront setting in the grounds of the Whitsunday Sailing Club, and across the tropical township of Airlie Beach, there is no other music festival in Australia or globally quite like the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.
To keep up to date with all Airlie Beach Festival of Music news, subscribe to the mailing list here and follow the festival and 'Passport to Airlie' on Facebook, and Instagram at the links below.
