Savannah In The Round Adds Internationals On Second Artist Announcement

Following the massive first artist line-up announcement in April that ignited a tsunami sized wave of hype across the country, Savannah in the Round has returned with a huge second round of acts hitting the festival in 2023, including the event's first international acts of the year.

Having spent the past several years building a legion of followers with a series of chart-topping hits, American country star Alexandra Kay will make her Australian performance debut live, where she’ll show Aussie audiences why critics are comparing her to the one and only Dolly Parton.

“The thought that I’m finally making my way to Australia is wild to me. It’s a place most small-town girls like me can only dream of visiting,” said Kay. “Playing at Savannah in the Round feels like the start of an exciting new chapter in my touring career. I get the opportunity to sing my songs to an audience that has constantly supported me by streaming my music over the last few years, and I am so excited to hear them sing these songs back to me for the very first time! I'm coming with open arms, ready to experience everything Australia has to offer. So pumped for my first show in the land down under!”

Already a staple in the Canadian music scene, with two Canadian Country Music Award nominations and three Western Canadian Music Awards under their belt, true-grit country band The Dungarees will also be joining Kay as one of the international acts landing in North Queensland this year.

“We simply can’t wait to come back to Australia, it has been far too long. Australian Country music fans are the best in the world, and we have Savannah in the Round circled in big bright marker on our calendar.  Performing in Australia always feels like home,” said James Murdoch of The Dungarees.

Also added to the line-up is singer-songwriter Bobby Maguire, country duo Zac & George, Melbourne-based troubadour Tim Woodz and local Cairns’ act Eddie Skiba.

The new artists join the already announced Jimmy Barnes, Kasey Chambers, Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, Brad Cox, James Johnston, Casey Barnes, Don Walker, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey, Fanny Lumsden, Russell Morris, Taylor Moss, Hussy Hicks, Raechel Whitchurch, Loren Ryan, Col Finley and more.

In a bid to ensure local talent is front and centre, Savannah in the Round is also excited to welcome The Pigs, Black Image, Roz Pappalardo, Out of Abington and more in 2023.

This year, Savannah in the Round will also include a very special edition of the iconic Great Northern Bullriding Series, which will see some of the world’s best riders go head-to-head in a one-of-a-kind two-hour bull riding spectacular, soundtracked by some of Australia’s best music.

“Australian music has never been hotter, so we decided this year to lead with the locals first,” said Event Director James Dein. “This year’s event will welcome a who’s who of the best in Australian rock, pop and country heading north for a three-day party. Savannah in the Round is a true celebration of everything that’s great about Australia and everything that’s special about Far North Queensland and this year’s event will be our biggest one yet. “We’re dedicated to championing our Aussie acts and putting the spotlight on them first. But couldn’t be more excited to welcome in our international acts to the Savannah in the Round family.”

In addition to Savannah in the Round’s expansive music offerings, punters will also be able to experience a plethora of camping, glamping and on-site festival delights ranging from a wide range of bespoke food and drink offerings to local artisanal arts and culture.

Alongside major, world class performances on Main Stage, at the Big Top Music Hall and in the Bull Bar, Savannah in the Round proudly features Indigenous visual art, music and dance displays, a market village full of local produce and products, and an onsite paddock to plate experience showcasing the freshest local ingredients you can find north of the border.

Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister, Michael Healy said Savannah in the Round was predicted to bring more than 12,000 visitors to Tropical North Queensland.

“This is a special event in a magic location for visitors to experience quality entertainment while enjoying the Tropical North’s world-famous hospitality and awe-inspiring landscapes,” Healy said. “Savannah in the Round is a treasured highlight of our It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar with last year’s instalment generating $4.5 million for the region’s visitor economy.

“It’s another great example of destination events backing good Queensland jobs and the Tropical North’s tourism and hospitality operators.”

Tickets for Savannah in the Round 2023 are on sale now via savannahintheround.com.au.