The Big Red Bash is an annual music festival held in the Simpson Desert, 35 kilometres west of Birdsville in Queensland, Australia. The predominate music is Australian Rock. The festival emphasizes fundraising. The first Big Red Bash occurred in 2013. In 2023, the event drew more than 11,000 visitors to the red centre.[1] The Big Red Bash was founded by Greg Donovan who continues to organise the event today. It is marketed as the world's most remote music festival.[2]
The festival site is a 1.3 million-hectare organic cattle station.[3] The concert area measures 63,000 square metres.[2] The event takes places over three days in July. Camel rides and sand dune boogie boarding are popular recreational activities on offer.
History[edit]
John Williamson performed at the first Big Red Bash.[4] About 500 people were in attendance for the 2013 festival.
Since 2016, the festival has held attempts at the world record for Nutbush City Limits dancers.[5] 5,838 people set a new world record in 2023.[6]
The 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the ongoing pandemic the 2021 event went ahead with a COVID-safe plan.[2] 90 square metre campsites provided ample distance between campers.[7] That year performers included Paul Kelly, Daryl Braithwaite, Busby Marou, The Black Sorrows, Eurogliders, Sarah McLeod, The Chantoozies, Brian Cadd and Kyle Lionheart.[2]
The 2022 event featured Tim Rogers, Bachelor Girl and a Noiseworks reunion.[8]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ McCosker, Maddelin (17 August 2023). "Regional Queensland's unsealed roads costing the state millions in lost revenue, businesses say". ABC News. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ a b c d Grounds, Ellie; Stephen, Adam (1 July 2021). "Big Red Bash music festival to go ahead, despite coronavirus restrictions". ABC News. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ Pengilley, Victoria (7 July 2022). "Birdsville Big Red Bash features 'spontaneous' outback wedding". ABC News. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ Goodridge, John (21 June 2023). "Big Red Bash founder Greg Donovan on the festival's roots, community, and JDRS fundraiser The Big Blue Day". The AU Review. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ Gaffney, Annie; Prosser, Dan (26 May 2023). "Birdsville's Big Red Bash music festival aims for Nutbush dance record as tribute to Tina Turner". ABC News. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ "Simply the best: Australians smash Nutbush world record". SBS. 6 July 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ Brown, Vanessa (8 July 2021). "Birdsville Big Red Bash 2021 takes over the Simpson Desert". news.com.au. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ Weir, James (6 July 2022). "Insane scenes as 11,000 partygoers descend on Aussie desert for midweek bash". news.com.au. Retrieved 24 October 2023.