World’s Most Remote Music Festival Calls for Volunteers

The world’s most remote music festival — which is how the July 5—7 Birdsville Big Red Bash in outback Queensland brands itself — is calling out for volunteers.

“As with many major events in these evolving times, circumstances can quickly change and some of our valued volunteers have had to pull out at the last minute,” explained Greg Donovan, festival owner and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group.

“This means we’re on the lookout for some extra manpower to help ease the load.”

Donovan is offering the perfect carrot for a live music fan.

“The Birdsville Big Red Bash is sold out, so volunteering is the perfect way to nab an eleventh-hour ticket for those who may have missed out or are keen for a spontaneous outback road trip,” Donovan continued.

“In addition to going behind-the-scenes at one of the world’s most unique bucket-list music festivals and seeing homegrown legends like Barnsey and Missy Higgins, volunteers will be able to give back to regional communities at the same time.”

The bill also includes Kasey Chambers, Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, Richard Clapton, The Rolling Stones Review Starring: Adalita, Tex Perkins & Tim Rogers, Bjorn Again, Sarah McLeod, Mark Gable, Ash Grunwald, Jack Jones, Dragon, Mick Thomas (Wedding Parties Anything), Mi-Sex, Chocolate Starfish, Steve Balbi, The Lachy Doley Group, Bachelor Girl and Mel Dyer.

Staged against the striking backdrop of the 40-metre-high Big Red sand dune, Big Red draws a capacity crowd of around 10,000.

Each patron clocks an average trip of 4,300km.

The all-ages dog-friendly remote music festival is accessed by road, as well as scheduled and charter flights.

Outback entertainment includes the Desert Fashions competitions, dunny door painting, Outback Air Guitar Championships, sand dune surfing, sunrise yoga, camel rides, scenic helicopter flights, outdoor cinema screenings and beach volleyball.

Last year 400 took part in Bashville Drags showcasing their satin and lace costume creations.

Two new entries were made for “The Australian Book of Records”.

These were 2,878 dancing to Tina Turner’s ‘Nutbush City Limits’ (breaking the 2019 record of 2,330, also at Big Red Bash) and 2,878 uniting for the Twist dance.

The remote music festival raised $100,000 for rural lifeline the Royal Flying Doctor Service, $46,000 of it from the ‘Nutbush’ workout.

Volunteer registrations are live now, and recruits must be aged 18 and over.

Teams include road marshals, sustainability, general set up & pack up, merchandise and more.

Depending on the team, volunteer time commitments start from as little as 13 hours

Volunteers can nominate to complete their shift with friends and family, and in line with a particular skill set or area of interest.

The Big Red Bash does not sell alcohol. But ticket holders can bring their own food and alcohol onto the festival site.

In addition, there will be a large range of food vendors selling both hot and cold food and beverages at the event.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.