First headline act announced for Festival 2018

Multi-platinum selling artist Kate Miller-Heidke has been announced as the first headline act for Festival 2018. The GC2018 multi-arts festival complements the sports program from 4-15 April 2018.

Brisbane-born Miller-Heidke will feature on the Queensland Music Stage, a dedicated stage to showcase Queensland’s best musical talent it was announced on Thursday by Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman, Peter Beattie AC.

Joining the ARIA nominated artist is Queensland four-piece indie-rock band The Jungle Giants and Torres Strait Islander Hip Hop artist Mau Power.

Local musicians Austen and Karl S Williams will also get the opportunity to represent the Gold Coast community on the global stage.

Located in Surf Parade, Broadbeach for the duration of GC2018, the Queensland Music Stage is a free event that caters for all ages and musical tastes.

Both Kate Miller-Heidke and Mau Power will also perform in the Games Event City of Cairns and Mau Power in Brisbane, as part of Festival 2018.

The full Queensland Music Stage line-up will be announced in February 2018 when the Festival 2018 program is launched.

The Queensland Music Stage was curated by the Festival 2018 Creative Lead – Circa Contemporary Circus – with specialist programming from guest programmers and Bleach* Festival. Festival 2018 at Broadbeach is proudly presented by The Star Gold Coast.

For the latest Festival 2018 news and updates, please visit gc2018.com/festival2018 and follow our social media channels.

Award-winning singer-songwriter, Kate Miller-Heidke:

“I’m so thrilled to be performing at Festival 2018 as part of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“It’s great to see such a breadth of talented artists representing Queensland on the stage across the festival.

“Queensland audiences have always been special to me, and I can’t wait to play with a string quartet and share my music with local audiences as well as visitors from around the world,” Ms Miller-Heidke said.

GOLDOC Chairman, Peter Beattie AC:

“It’s exciting to have Kate perform her incredible new set for Festival 2018. This announcement shows GC2018 will have world class sporting performances at our venues and artists performing across the arts and culture program.

“Audiences will enjoy an incredibly strong line-up of free, quality entertainment across the 12-day festival on the Gold Coast.

“The Queensland Music Stage will showcase the State’s best and emerging musical talents to a diverse global and local audience,” Mr Beattie said.

The Jungle Giants lead vocalist and guitarist, Sam Hales:

“We can’t wait to perform, and be a part of something as huge as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“We’ve never been a part of something like this in the past, so we’re keen to do and see as much as we possibly can. We’ve also put together a new set, so we’re excited to try it out at the Games,” Mr Hales said.

The Jungle Giants lead vocalist and guitarist, Sam Hales:

“We can’t wait to perform, and be a part of something as huge as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“We’ve never been a part of something like this in the past, so we’re keen to do and see as much as we possibly can. We’ve also put together a new set, so we’re excited to try it out at the Games,” Mr Hales said.

Hip Hop artist, Mau Power

“Coming from a small community in the Torres Strait, it is very exciting to be recognised on such a grand stage.

“Traditionally we share and connect as people through music so I’m really looking forward to sharing my music and culture with new audiences, playing alongside other Queensland talent during Festival 2018,” Mr Mau said.

Find out more about Mau Power.

Indie-pop musician, Austen

“The opportunity to play as part of Festival 2018 will be unforgettable. I’m so excited for the platform it gives me as an artist to make new connections.

“It’s awesome to have indie music represented at an event like this and it’s a great chance for audiences that might not usually be exposed to this style of music to discover something new that they might really love,” Austen said.

Gold Coast musician, Karl S Williams

“Here on the Gold Coast I have found a wonderfully supportive community that has been kind enough to embrace my music and enable me to present it to the world.

“It is always a privilege to play hometown shows and now I am honoured to do so as part of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. For this event many new eyes are turned upon us, so it is a great opportunity to grow connections with the world and celebrate our shared humanity,” Mr Williams said.

The Star Gold Coast General Manager Marketing Queensland, Simon Proctor:

“The promotion of Queensland and Australian talent to the world through Festival 2018 is something we at The Star Gold Coast are already taking enormous pride in supporting.

“The talent in this country across all sectors of the arts is boundless and our involvement in the Gold Coast’s biggest ever cultural festival fits beautifully with The Star’s reputation as a complete entertainment destination.

“Festival 2018 will be a moment in time for our city as amazing talent is discovered, presented on an international stage and celebrated like never before,” Mr Proctor said.

GOLDOC CEO, Mark Peters:

“Local, Indigenous and Queensland musicians among Australia’s most talented up and coming artists, will have the opportunity to play alongside headline talent.

“There is an incredible amount of local talent and every night the Queensland Music Stage will feature local musicians playing to an expected audience of 5,000 in an internationally significant festival,” Mr Peters said.