Blues on Broadbeach strikes Beyond Blue alliance: ‘music can lift our spirits in challenging times’

Queensland music festival Blues on Broadbeach has struck an alliance with mental health and wellbeing charity Beyond Blue.

They both acknowledge that the need for mental health and wellbeing support is more important than ever, and hope their partnership can help alleviate and combat anxiety, depression, and other related mental health concerns.

“The past year has been very tough on everyone and I know so many people in the music industry who have really struggled financially and mentally due to COVID,” Wolfmother frontman Andrew Stockdale said in a statement today.

“It’s great to finally be able to come together again as performers and fans to celebrate at a live festival. Music is a powerful force for connection, and it can lift our spirits in challenging times.

“As a performer, creating music and sharing it with others is a big release and having this outlet is an important way I keep on top of my own wellbeing.”

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman welcomed the new partnership and acknowledges the important role music plays in our lives.

“If the last year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of music and the events that bring us together,” according to Harman.

“That’s why we’re so excited about this partnership as we start to open up and reconnect.”

She thanked Blues on Broadbeach for encouraging music fans, performers and staff to make mental health a part of everyday conversations.

The festival’s two major sponsors in 2021 are The Oracle Boulevard and Network Ten.

Network Ten was due to commence a two-year deal with Blues on Broadbeach in 2020, before it was cancelled due to COVID. But the broadcaster is primed to promote its popular programs.

Festival organisers also announced today that NZ reggae outfit The Black Seeds have cancelled.

“Due to the still turbulent nature of the pandemic and potential uncertainties around the Trans-Tasman Bubble we have had to make the hard decision not to travel over for this show.

“We were really looking forward to performing outside of NZ again, however this will have to wait a little bit longer… Big ups to our Australian fans, we will hopefully see you soon!”

The Beautiful Girls will replace them, slotted in as the prelude to Wolfmother.

Among others on the bill include CW Stoneking, Christine Anu, Lloyd Spiegel, Caiti Baker, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers, Her Way To Hell and The Lachy Doley Group.