Groovin the Moo has dropped Townsville from its 2023 tour citing logistical and financial pressures but will instead launch a new leg on the Sunshine Coast.
Groovin the Moo will also return to South Australia and Western Australia for the first time since 2019.
The festival had been hosted in Townsville since 2008 and attracted around 15,000 punters in 2019. But organisers said touring in a post-pandemic landscape had changed.
“Despite immense effort, it is with great sadness that we advise that GTM is unable to return to Townsville in 2023,” the organisers said.
“We have loved calling Townsville our Queensland home over the years, but post-pandemic touring life is harder.
“The logistical challenges and increased financial pressures are too great and, unfortunately, we are not able to return to the top end in 2023.”
Orgnaiser Steve Haplin said the elements that make up the eco system of a music festival “are all still in a precarious position”.
The festival’s debut on the Sunshine Coast at Kawana Sports Western Precinct in April was welcomed by Visit Sunshine Coast.
“Given our close proximity to Brisbane and other major markets means that we are a very natural choice for event organisers to host their music event or other events here on the Sunshine Coast,” Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel told the ABC.
