CMC Rocks North QLD forced to downsize

Country festival juggernaut CMC Rocks North QLD has been forced to revise its lineup and downsize to a smaller venue.

“Festival promoters are committed to the CMC Rocks events, with this being the third North QLD instalment since its first appearance in 2010,” organisers said in a statement. “However, due to less than expected ticket sales, they have been forced to downsize this year’s event and move to a concert venue.”

The September 27 festival has been moved from Townsville’s 22,000-capacity Reid Park to the 5,257-capacity Townsville Entertainment And Convention Centre.

In 2013 the 11-strong lineup included Alan Jackson (USA), Sara Evans (USA) and Corb Lund (CAN). Organisers have announced just five artists for this year’s event due to the short window of time they have to work with, although it’s still an impressive coo with US artists Gary Allan, The Mavericks and Blackjack Billy, and local artists Morgan Evans and Karrie Hayward.

CMC Rocks promoter Rob Potts told TMN the acts forced to cancel include Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers Troy Cassar-Daley, Sunny Cowgirls and Amber Lawrence. He explained that whilst the changes are disappointing, they aren’t a reflection of the nation’s tumultuous festival climate.

“Whilst we are disappointed about having to downsize the event we remain committed to the CMC Rocks festivals and to North QLD as a market,” Potts told TMN. “We believe we probably didn’t have enough fire power in the lineup for fans in North QLD rather than this being any indication of our festivals being part of a down turn in the festival market.”

Rob Potts’ Entertainment Edge along with Foxtel’s Country Music Channel and Chugg Entertainment have offered generous placation for the festival’s current ticket buyers. Those unhappy with the changes can either receive a full refund, swap their festival ticket for the concert ticket and receive reimbursement of the difference or bring a friend for free.

:: IN FOCUS: AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC – part one, two and three.

Details of CMC Rocks North QLD are:

Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre
Saturday September 27

Doors Open – 3.15pm
Show Concludes – 10.45pm

TICKET PRICES
Adult (15 and above) $89.90*
Child (Ages 4 to 14) $39.90*
*Plus payment processing and handling fees.

Free admission to children 4 years and under, if accompanied by an adult.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Book here