Country on Keppel Adds Lyn Bowtell And James Blundell In 2023

Australia’s only country music festival on a tropical island, Country On Keppel has added an additional two headliners.

Multi-award winners and music legends Lyn Bowtell and James Blundell join already-announced artists Adam Brand and Matt Cornell for this unique tropical country celebration, with the remainder of our artists to be announced in coming weeks.

The Green Brothers Peter Blundell Memorial Talent Search is also now open for entries.

This will be Bowtell’s first Country on Keppel, while Blundell is an old hand, having played each festival since its inception in 2019.

Bowtell said, “I’ve played festivals in many different locations, including the outback and on cruise liners, but this will be the first time I bring my music to a country music festival on a tropical island, and I cannot wait!”

It’s an exciting time for Bowtell, not only with the festival announcement, but the nine-time Golden Guitar winner has been named as finalist in three categories of the 2023 Golden Guitars with tracks from her 2022 ARIA Chart-topping album, Wiser.

“I’m looking forward to playing my new songs and favourites for the Country on Keppel audience, all while looking out across that white sand and beautiful blue ocean. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend for artists and fans, alike,” she added.

Blundell has a long history with Country on Keppel, with the festival being the brainchild of his brother, Peter Blundell, who worked at Great Keppel Island Hideaway for many years as the compliance officer. Peter tragically lost his battle to cancer in late 2021, but the festival continues his legacy of mixing established artists with rising stars and nurturing new artists through the talent search.

“This festival was Peter’s brainchild, so is extra-special to me,” Blundell said. “It will definitely feel different to be there next year without Pete, but it will have an extra element of gravity as those of us who loved him, gather to pay tribute to Pete in our own way. This is definitely a festival you don’t want to miss in 2023!”

As well as enjoying the music of all these top-notch artists, Country on Keppel is about embracing 17 white sandy beaches, which is still a beautiful temperature in July,  the setting and the laidback atmosphere that the island offers.

Get your swimmers, sunscreen, and beach towels ready as Australia’s only country music festival on a tropical island returns to Great Keppel Island Hideaway on July 14-16, 2023.

Tickets are on sale now and only available via Eventbrite.

Festival tickets and accommodation packages are all on offer by contacting Great Keppel Island Hideaway on (07) 4939 2050 or email bookings@gkihideaway.com.au.

Country on Keppel is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.