Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub offers evolving musical experiences

Over four nights, from Thursday, July 11, to Sunday, July 14, the Bluewater Quay will echo with rock, rhythm and blues; folk and old time mountain music; swing and rockabilly; and a Latin dance fiesta.

Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan said it was great to see the popular feature of the Mackay Festival of Arts back at the Bluewater Quay.

"The Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub is a core Festival of Arts event that has always been about providing free entertainment, street food and plenty of room for people to gather and enjoy the atmosphere," Cr Hassan said.

"This year the Festivals Team have done something special in that each night will have a different genre and a bit of a different theme," she said.

"For example, on Friday night there's a bit of a 'hillbilly' theme and festivalgoers can take turns on a free mechanical bucking bull.

"The team have also organised for the popular Riverside Mega Markets to be at the quay on Thursday and Friday nights and they will be set up in part of the Brisbane Street carpark."

The line-up for the four nights is an exciting mix of high-energy genres and influences.

On Thursday, from 5.30pm to late, there will be "rockin' rhythm and blues" with The Wild Sky.

The Wild Sky is the perfect three-piece rock 'n' roll outfit to kick off the hub experience.

Expect sophisticated melodies, a seamless blend of rhythm, blues and a dose of funk.

On Friday, from 5.30pm to late, the Quay will come alive with folk and old time mountain music thanks to the Hillbilly Goats.

Featuring banjo, bones, double bass, fiddle, tap-dancing, three-part harmonies and more, the Hillbilly Goats aren't just a band - they're a show!

Then, on Saturday, from 4pm until late, it's all about the swing and rockabilly with Joshy J and the Ricochets.

Put on your best dancing shoes, grease up that hair and get ready to boogie to the tunes of yesteryear!

Finally, on Sunday, from 4pm to late, it will be a festival fiesta with Viva and band.

Prepare for a sensational dance fiesta as the Bluewater Quay is transformed into a vibrant paradise with a Latin flavour!

Bands will play from 6pm to 9.15pm on weekdays and 5pm to 8.15pm on the weekend.

Street food will vary nightly between the weekdays and weekend, but will include burgers and fried chicken, kebabs, crepes, ribs and ice cream.

For more information, go to www.themecc.com.au/festivals.

Image: The Hillbilly Goats will bring their high-energy folk and old-time mountain music to the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub.

Festival Hub map (click on image to enlarge)

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