Tropic Fiesta
Turning up the volume in Townsville
Client:
QMusic & Townsville City Council
Project:
Tropic Fiesta
Year/s:
2023
Overview
Tropic Fiesta was a live music festival created by QMusic and Townsville City Council with the aim of reinvigorating the music scene in north Queensland. QMusic, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting Queensland's music industry, had a vision to bring the spirit of the iconic Valley Fiesta to Townsville. The festival aimed to provide emerging artists with more opportunities, demonstrate the profitability of the music scene to venues, and encourage them to program more live music.
One of the main challenges faced by Tropic Fiesta was the lack of funding, which almost jeopardised the festival. To overcome this obstacle, the organisers needed assistance in sourcing funding and writing grant applications. Additionally, once funding was secured, they required the expertise of an experienced festival producer to ensure the smooth execution of the event.
Our services
We were engaged by Tropic Fiesta to provide comprehensive consultancy services. The responsibilities undertaken by &Connery included:
Funding Sourcing
We played a crucial role in securing the necessary funding by writing the initial RISE grant and Arts Queensland grant applications. These applications were essential in obtaining financial support for the festival.
& Budget Management
We were responsible for managing the festival's budget, ensuring that expenses were allocated appropriately and kept within the approved financial framework.
& Stakeholder and Supplier Contracts
We handled the contracting process for all stakeholders and suppliers involved in the festival. This included negotiating agreements, managing contractual obligations, and ensuring smooth collaboration between parties.
& Marketing and PR
We directed the Council staff in developing effective marketing and public relations strategies. They were involved in supplier procurement, branding, website development and promotional materials.
& Venue and Artist Liaison
We served as a liaison between Tropic Fiesta and various venues, coordinating logistics and ensuring a seamless experience for both the artists and the audience. We also facilitated communication and collaboration with the artists, managing their requirements and ensuring their performances ran smoothly.
& Surveys and Analysis
We conducted surveys and analysis to gather feedback and evaluate the success of the festival. This information was crucial in understanding the audience's experience, identifying areas for improvement, and measuring the impact of the event.
& Acquittal
Following the conclusion of Tropic Fiesta, we handled the acquittal process, ensuring that all financial and reporting requirements were met in compliance with funding agreements.
Outcome
Thanks to the collective efforts of Tropic Fiesta's organisers, the festival successfully turned up the volume in Townsville.
The event showcased music performances in every corner of the city, with pop-up shows in the streets, country music legends performing on suburban stages, and intimate gigs featuring emerging artists in local venues. The final weekend of the festival, known as Tropic Sounds, boasted a substantial line-up at Reid Park.
Tropic Fiesta not only revitalised the music scene in Townsville but also attracted a diverse audience due to its accessible and inclusive nature. Most of the festival events were free, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy live music regardless of their financial means.
The collaboration between Tropic Fiesta, QMusic, and &Connery proved instrumental in creating a successful music festival and promoting the growth of the local music industry. By showcasing the profitability of the music scene, we hope north Queensland venues program more live music, increasing opportunities for artists and further enriching the cultural landscape.
For more information on the event, visit the Tropic Fiesta Website
& here’s what attendees had to say about the event:
“Great to hear live original music from local artists, as well as the headline acts - well done to organisers for making this accessible to the community.”
– Survey Participant
Really awesome event series for Townsville and really hope it happens again next year!
– Survey Participant
"Attending the new music event was a truly immersive experience. The diverse range of artists and genres catered to everyone's taste, and the crowd was so enthusiastic. It was an unforgettable night of pure musical bliss."
– Survey Participant
