Shortened NQ's Rock'n Country To Proceed As Fans Rally

NQ’s Rock’n Country Festival will go ahead after fears of low ticket sales nearly led to its cancellation.

“Some major decisions have had to be made for this year's festival as we have not received the funding as promised,” a statement from organisers read on Facebook yesterday (31 July). “BUT we have received incredible support from ticket holders and local businesses so we are happy to announce that we are able to PROCEED!”

READ MORE: Another festival in trouble as NQ’s Rock’n Country Festival pleads with fans

This year’s NQ’s Rock’n Country will be shortened to a two-day festival, down from three days, on Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 August, in Mackay, Queensland.

“Not the outcome we had planned for 2023,” organisers admitted, “but it is better than the alternative of having to cancel completely as so many people are relying on this festival, including our artists, local businesses, staff, our incredible stall and food vendors and all of our suppliers!”

To the delight of festival organisers and ticketholders alike, Morgan Evans remains the headliner for this year’s NQ’s Rock’n Country Festival as part of his epic homecoming tour of Australia.

Three-day and Friday-only ticketholders are eligible for refunds and can find information on said refunds in their inbox in the coming days (make sure to monitor your junk mail).

Last Wednesday, NQ’s Rock’n Country, which hosts the Reboot competition, revealed that it was in danger of cancelling this year’s event. It pleaded with fans to buy just 1,000 more tickets to keep the festival financially viable.

In a Facebook statement, organisers wrote, “We love being able to deliver high quality acts to North Queensland, but it comes at a price, and unfortunately, we have not received any funding from the government this year, which means we need the support of North Queenslanders and friends”.

Organisers also made a GoFundMe campaign for those who can’t attend the event but would still like to show support.

Geoff Baguley, the man behind the festival, explained more about the government funding situation on the GoFundMe description page. After starting NQ’s Rock’n Country three years ago, Baguley and the team have faced lockdowns and border restrictions due to Covid-19 that heavily impacted the festival.

Baguley said previous Australian federal governments have contributed funding to the festival, but received confirmation that the federal government won’t support the event this year.

“This decision has caused a massive funding shortfall - that we are struggling to fill,” Baguley admitted, looking to raise $200,000.

This year’s NQ’s Rock’n Country is headlined by Morgan Evans and features a stacked line-up, including Kasey Chambers, Kaylee Bell, Shannon Noll, The Wolfe Brothers, Adam Brand and many more.

It’s also hosting the Reboot competition, with Denvah, Jay Santilli and Findlay Webb named as this year’s finalists.

The three finalists will open the main stage at NQ’s Rock’n Country 2023 with a 30-minute set across the three-day festival, which runs from 18 to 20 August at the Mackay Showgrounds. You can buy tickets to attend this year’s event here.