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Midnight Oil's headlining appearance at the 7th Birdsville Big Red Bash will be their first appearance in Australia since their 'Great Circle World Tour' came to a close in November 2017.

The Big Red Bash is also Midnight Oils’ first Australian Music Festival headline performance since the Woodford Folk Festival in 1996, which will provide a once in a generation experience for Australian music festival fans.

This one-off performance will take place in the red sands of the Simpson Desert against the backdrop of the legendary 40 metre high Big Red Dune, 35km west of the tiny outback town of Birdsville. 

Midnight Oil have a long history and deep connection with remote Australia and its people.
In an online message to their fans earlier today the five members of the band said, "we really enjoyed making music together again on The Great Circle tour and the reaction from everyone was so positive that we’ve decided to do a bit more of it in 2019. There won’t be anywhere near as many shows as 2017 but we’re keen to keep performing while there are still new places to play and new things to say. It’s as simple as that really.”  

“First of all we're planning to do some dates in Europe over June/July.  We understand that Australians and Kiwis might be wondering if and when we’re going to do some more gigs closer to home. At this stage the only one we’ve confirmed is The Big Red Bash in Birdsville on July 18. When we saw the photo’s we just couldn’t say no."

As the largest event in the region, the Big Red Bash is important for supporting both local and broader outback tourism. 

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said Birdsville was renowned as a world-class event host. 

“In 2018, we saw tens of thousands of visitors travel to Birdsville for the Big Red Bash and famous Birdsville Races,” Minister Jones said. 

“To see the town swell to more than 80 times its normal population is a wonderful boost for Outback Queensland’s tourism economy which is why the Queensland Government is proud to support the Big Red Bash through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program. 

“With such a high-profile line-up for the 2019 event we look forward to again showcasing the Queensland outback to the world.” 

Founder and event organiser, Greg Donovan, recognises the success of the event as it being more than just a music festival, “it’s an incredible destination for travellers and adventure seekers alike. The journey alone adds to the experience as campers, 4-wheel drivers, caravaners, travel enthusiasts and music lovers travel from across Australia and the world gather at the iconic Bashville pop-up festival site 35km west of Birdsville.”  

Diamantina Shire Mayor, Geoff Morton, is welcoming back the event again this year stating, “we know that events like the Big Red Bash play an important role in growing a sustainable local tourism industry.

"This is a fantastic family friendly event and there’s plenty for families to do while they are visiting the region, whether that’s paddling a kayak at Pelican Point, tasting the Birdsville Bakery’s famous curried camel pie or just soaking up the local hospitality at the Birdsville Hotel.”

This experience draws crowds from all over Australia and overseas, not only to see its star-studded Australian line up but also to camp under its star-studded outback skies. Hosted over the week of 16th -18th  July 2019, families, music fans and experience seekers travel thousands of kilometres to the festival for a unique and memorable adventure. 

Joining Midnight Oil will be The Living End and Kasey Chambers, with a further 13 top class Australian artists and bands to be announced on the 18th December, making it a unique all Australian line up.

Despite its success, the event will be limiting its size and are encouraging those interested in attending to get their tickets early.

Tickets will be on sale from 10am AEDT Friday 7th December. 
For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.bigredbash.com.au 

Image top of Midnight Oil. Credit Tony Mott

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