Cooly Rocks On proves the past still has pull

AS Coolangatta farewells another Cooly Rocks On festival, the event’s enduring success reflects both its nostalgic appeal and its ability to bring generations together.

The five-day festival, held from June 3 to 7, has become one of Australia’s largest celebrations of nostalgia, drawing visitors from across the country to relive, or discover for the first time, the music, culture and lifestyle of decades past.

Festival director Mark Duckworth said the event’s popularity reflected a lasting connection to the eras it celebrates.

“The beauty of Cooly Rocks On is it allows fans to turn back the clock for five incredible days, immerse themselves in the music, cars, lifestyle and fashion of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and really connect with that time,” he said.

 

“The fact that this festival has grown year on year, with now more than 160,000 people attending the Coolangatta festival across the five days shows just how much love there still is for yesteryear and everything it represents.”

Duckworth said one of the festival’s defining strengths was its ability to unite generations.

“Festivals like Cooly Rocks On also create a strong sense of community by bringing together multiple generations who share a passion for the eras being celebrated,” he said.

“I think that’s what makes the festival so special, those moments where families come together, grandparents here enjoying Elvis’ music alongside their children, and their children’s children.”

 

Duckworth said the festival’s Show ‘N’ Shine had become one of Australia’s largest classic car displays, featuring more than 1,000 vehicles across nearly two kilometres of the Coolangatta precinct.

For many attendees, that combination of music, motors and memories remains the festival’s greatest drawcard.

Gippsland resident Mandy Kelly said attending car shows and Show ‘N’ Shine events had become a regular part of her calendar.

“This is my fifth Cooly’s in a row,” Kelly said.

“It’s the lifestyle. I love the music because I’m a rock and roll dancer as well.

 

“It’s the network and the community of rock and roll that I love.”

Award-winning vintage glamour model and pin-up icon Lola LaBamba said connecting with festivalgoers was among the most rewarding aspects of the vintage scene.

“It’s my absolute joy and just really, the absolute reward is when people pull you aside and ask you for a picture,” she said.

Brodie Ward said he had driven his 1968 HK Monaro from Sydney to take part in the festival.

When asked what set classic vehicles apart from modern cars, Ward said their appeal lay in their character.

“New cars are way nicer, but it’s cool, it’s old, people look at it, people like them,” he said.