Reggae Fest Kangaroo Valley - Kangaroo Valley - South Coast NSW
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Music & Festivals

Reggae Fest Kangaroo Valley

While the echoes of cancellations are ringing in the ears of music lovers across the country, the inaugural Kangaroo Valley Reggae Festival is announcing that not only is the festival going ahead as scheduled in May, but it will also be the most wallet-friendly festival this year. To counter the recent cancellation disappointments for festival lovers, The Friendly Inn, Kangaroo Valley is throwing its hat into the original live music ring with a one-stage festival, headlined by Sydney reggae and roots royalty, The Strides.

Amid a string of festival cancellations and hiatus announcements from regional events like Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, and Groovin’ the Moo, music fans have voiced their disappointment over sky-high ticket prices and the lack of big-name headliners on festival lineups. The Australian music scene is under stress, with the touring and festival landscape dominated by larger corporate companies like Live Nation, impacting a festival’s ability to operate independently and maintain unique cultural offerings. Adding to your local festival promoter’s woes is the surging cost of living and the impact of climate change, with the hectic weather events that come along with it. The viability of regional events being able to keep up with operational costs and surging logistical expenses puts regional touring on the back burner for most promoters.

The Friendly Inn,  who has successfully hosted the Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer & BBQ Festival for the past nine years, is now investing in an original live music event. Matching humble venue beginnings like Splendour in the Grass, which launched their festival in 2001 at the Belongil Fields Caravan Park, and Bluesfest, which called the Red Devil Football Park home for over ten years, the Kangaroo Valley Reggae Festival is starting out in much the same way, in the fields of a back paddock in a stunning regional location.

“It’s been a rough season for musicians, with many anticipated events getting axed due to ballooning costs. We are lucky here in Kangaroo Valley at The Friendly Inn, being the promoter and venue owner, we are in the fortunate position to be able to invest in the local live music scene,” said Caroline Lentai of The Friendly Inn. “This year, we’re focusing on what’s most important—bringing people together to enjoy great music at a great price. We’ve been looking to launch the Kangaroo Valley Reggae Festival for a while and now seems like the perfect time to bring on some good vibes.”

The Strides will headline the day with their combination of high-energy dancehall reggae and their own original flavour. “We give our all and put on a big party,” said drummer Carlos Adura, who also plays with the likes of Tim Finn and Skunkhour. Joining them will be MC Iha Jah and DJ Prento. The local line-up includes Benji & the Saltwater Sound System, Casuarina Light Phenomenon and JJ Spence Band both featuring Kangaroo Valley’s very own school teacher Mr Gorman and local producer from The Patchy Growers Luca. The festival will also be the welcome back performance for Ren & the Rudeboys who look a two year hiatus from the live scene. There will be hands-on drumming workshops and performances from Damion Stirling of Beatmeisters, so be sure to pack the bongos. Helping transport you to the beaches of the Caribbean will be local pitmaster King’s Porker, serving up Jamaican street food with pulled pork and special sauces. As always, The Friendly Inn will have entertainment for the kids for this all-ages event, with kids under 12 having free entry.

Tickets are on sale now at www.kvreggaefest.com. Kangaroo Valley is nestled between the South Coast and the Southern Highlands, situated just 2 hours south of Sydney and 2 hours north of Canberra, with great accommodation options available from visitkangaroovalley.com.au

About Kangaroo Valley Reggae Festival:

Tickets at www.kvreggaefest.com

Adult $55, Junior aged 13-17yrs $35, Family Pass 2 Adults + 2 Juniors $150

Gates open at 11.00 am – Festival ends at 9.30 pm

All ages event, Kids 12 and under are free

159 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

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Tickets www.kvreggaefest.com

Adult $55 Junior aged 13-17yrs $35, Family Pass 2 Adults + 2 Juniors $150
Gates open at 11.00am – Festival ends 9.30pm
All ages event, Kids 12 and under are free

159 Moss Vale Road Kangaroo Valley

 

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