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Set to be staged at six locations across Australia during May and June, the returning Groovin the Moo festival series will be held at a new venue when it reaches the Sunshine Coast on Sunday 5th May.

Organisers have revealed that the move to the Sunshine Coast Stadium and the surrounding Kawana Sports Precinct will enable the hosting of a larger crowd - 35,000 people - than its Sunshine Coast debut last year, which took place at the Kawana Sports Western Precinct at Birtinya.

Promising a better experience with improved access, a Groovin the Moo spokesperson advised “we … have worked closely with the stadium teams and all other stakeholders including police, roads, ambulance and local clubs for the site layout.

“The venue is listed as Sunshine Coast Stadium precinct but whilst we are using the stadium for some of our operational facilities, our event site will be located on the fields adjacent to the stadium.

“This will give us more space and better access for stages, patrons, amenities and community activations.”

Sunshine Coast Councillor Peter Cox said a management plan to ensure the event runs smoothly was “well advanced”, noting “venue selection is at the discretion of the promoter. Council understands the promoter considered a number of venues across the region.

“The Kawana Sports Precinct is designated to cater for sport, events and entertainment for the enjoyment and benefit of the community.

“In 2023, due to prior bookings and alternative user group activity, the Sunshine Coast Stadium was not available for the date/s requested by the promoter. The Western Fields provided a logical solution to host this positive event opportunity and scale of event within the wider Kawana Sports Precinct.

“After 24,500 fans attended the event in 2023, we were excited to offer the stadium precinct for the 2024 event and continue to accommodate this major music event within the region.”

Councillor Cox added “planning is well underway to provide an amazing experience for locals and thousands of visitors to the region.

“A full management plan is well advanced. Council and the promoter are working with a large group of stakeholders including Queensland Police Service, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and local contractors to ensure that the transport and patron movement is as seamless as possible for an event of this scale. This includes increased buses, taxis, pick-up and drop-off areas for festivalgoers.

“There are a number of initiatives being used to overlay the required field protection across the 2024 site. One example is field protection mats for high foot traffic and congregation areas. These are specific breathable mats that protect the turf.”

Councillor Cox said the Council had negotiated with sports clubs that use the stadium precinct and had offered alternative arrangements, going on to say “the Sunshine Coast Falcons are not impacted by this event. Neither their training field nor game field will be used for this year’s festival.

“Sunshine Coast Council has had regular communications with our precinct clubs and they have been provided alternative training fields for the event period.”

In addition to the Sunshine Coast, the 2024 Groovin the Moo series will also be staged at Wayville, South Australia (25th April), Canberra (26th April), Bendigo (27th April), Newcastle (4th May) and Bunbury, Western Australia (11th May).

Images: Festivalgoers at Groovin the Moo in Bendigo in 2017 (top) and 2018 (below). Credit: Groovin the Moo.

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