Birdsville, Queensland – In a spectacle of music and community spirit, the second day of the Birdsville Big Red Bash came to a vibrant conclusion as the iconic Big Red sand dune served as the backdrop for an unforgettable performance by the legendary Tina Arena. The festival, which has become a staple in the Australian music calendar, saw thousands of attendees gather to witness Arena’s first-ever performance in the Outback.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Tina Arena took to the stage, delivering a setlist that featured a blend of tracks from her latest album ‘Love Saves’ and classic hits that have cemented her status as one of Australia’s premier musical talents. Standout moments included renditions of “Chains,” “Sorrento Moon,” and “Heaven Help My Heart,” with the latter performed as the moon rose, casting a magical glow over the desert landscape. One of the most poignant moments of the night came when Arena performed “Burn,” ad-libbing the lyrics to include “Burn, burn for me Birdsville. Like a candle in the night.”
Tina Arena’s heartfelt engagement with the crowd was palpable. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here,” she said. “I’ve heard so much about it. It’s an extraordinary experience and it restores faith. Everyone has to get their arses to the Big Red Bash.”
The day’s musical journey began with a performance by 14-year-old emerging country artist Amy Ryan, the youngest performer in the festival’s history. Ryan has a special connection to the Queensland Outback, with her song “Diamantina Dreaming” written as a poem by her father about the remote region. The song’s film clip, partially filmed on Big Red itself, added a layer of authenticity to her performance.
Festival-goers were also treated to a nostalgic set by Tim Finn, whose repertoire included hits from his time with Split Enz, Crowded House, and his solo career. Songs like “Six Months in a Leaky Boat,” “Fraction Too Much Friction,” and “Weather with You” resonated with the crowd, creating a shared experience of musical memories.
Other notable acts included Steve Balbi, Mark Seymour, Rolling Stones Revue, and Bjorn Again, each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage. The diversity of talent on display highlighted the depth of the Australian music scene, much to the delight of the attendees.
But the Birdsville Big Red Bash is not just about music. The festival’s programme is packed with outback-inspired activities that offer something for everyone. From morning yoga sessions and sand dune tobogganing to desert flower painting and comedy shows, the festival ensures that attendees are entertained from dawn till dusk. Scenic helicopter flights and 4WD desert expeditions provide a unique perspective of the stunning landscape, while camel rides and charity initiatives like The Bashville Drags Race add to the festival’s charm. The latter, a quirky race in which participants don elaborate costumes, raises funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and has become a much-anticipated event.
The festival’s atmosphere is further enlivened by the Bashville Drag fashion competition, where participants don costumes ranging from cheerleaders and Baywatch lifeguards to golden frill-neck lizards and Dame Edna impersonators. This year’s competition was fiercely contested, with the winner crowned as the “Queen of the Desert.”
Looking ahead, the third and final day of the Big Red Bash promises to be just as exciting, with performances from headliners Jon Stevens and Ian Moss, as well as Vanessa Amorosi, Sarah McLeod, Ash Grunwald, Chocolate Starfish, Hayley Mary, Fanny Lumsden, and a special Tina Turner Tribute.
Running from July 2-4, 2024, the Birdsville Big Red Bash is an all-ages, dog-friendly camping event that offers a uniquely Australian adventure for families, grey nomads, camping and caravanning enthusiasts, and intrepid travellers. The festival’s inclusive and welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit event for music lovers and adventure seekers alike.
This year’s lineup features over 30 artists, including Tina Arena, Jon Stevens, Ian Moss, Colin Hay, Tim Finn, Diesel, Baby Animals, Vanessa Amorosi, Mark Seymour, Casey Barnes, Shane Howard, Pierce Brothers, Bjorn Again, Mi-Sex, Chocolate Starfish – Bat Out of Hell, The Rolling Stones Revue starring Phil Jamison, Tex Perkins, and Tim Rogers, Furnace & the Fundamentals, Ash Grunwald, Fanny Lumsden, Sarah McLeod, Hayley Mary, Steve Balbi, and Amy Ryan.
In addition to the stellar musical performances, the festival’s wide-ranging programme of outback activities ensures that there is never a dull moment. Highlights include the Nutbush City Limits World Record dance-off attempt, dunny door painting, comedy and outdoor film screenings, scenic helicopter flights, camel rides, and charity initiatives like The Bashville Drags Race, all contributing to the festival’s unique charm and appeal.
As the Birdsville Big Red Bash continues to grow in popularity, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of live music and community spirit. With its stunning desert backdrop and diverse programme of activities, the festival offers an experience like no other, celebrating the best of Australian music and culture in the heart of the Outback.
