QMF steps on stage this weekend

AFTER three years off stage, the Queenscliff Music Festival (QMF) will return in a big way this weekend.

Tickets have sold out to the popular three-day event, which begins today (Friday, November 25) and will feature dozens of local, national and international artists and musicians across 12 stages and venues.

Festival director Andrew Orvis said on Tuesday that the festival’s familiar big tents were set up earlier this week despite the hail and thunderstorms, and preparations were well in hand.

“On Friday, gates open at 3.30pm – it’s going to be great.

“Friday actually kicks off a little early, at 1pm at one of the venues [The Pelican Bar], so we’re trying to encourage people to come down early to get their wristband and enjoy themselves; why not make a full three days of it?”

QMF was cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, and cancelled again for the same reason in 2021.

Mr Orvis said the 2022 running of the event would be “as normal we can possibly make it”.

“It’s going to be as close to normal as possible.

“Obviously a lot’s happened in the past two years so there’s a few little tweaks and differences, but certainly, in terms of size, scope, scale, performers, artists, venues… everything is pretty close to what we’ve done in the past.

“It’s good to be back doing that and good to be back with full steam ahead and not stressing too much.”

Although tickets have sold out, QMF have partnered with Tixel to offer a resale facility for those who want to either buy authentic 2022 tickets or sell their 2022 tickets – head to qmf.net.au/tickets/ticket-resale

Mr Orvis also offered some advice for the first time QMFer.

“I think the message is just to experience all that Queenscliff has – get out and about and explore, and check out lots of new music,” he said.

“One thing people always love about what we do and what we think we do well is discovering new artists – just because you haven’t heard of the name of someone doesn’t mean they won’t be your new favourite band.”