Douglas Shire fans ready to enjoy performance of country music superstar Brad Paisley at Savannah in the Round

READY TO ROCK

Michael Warren

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Douglas Shire country music fans are looking forward to seeing Brad Paisley perform at Savannah in the Round. Picture: Submitted

In October 2021 a relentless and determined festival director, James Dein achieved virtually the impossible at the time – to run a massively successful three-day COVID safe approved country music festival, amidst an ongoing global pandemic, endless nationwide lockdowns and enforced last minute line-up changes.

In fact, the little event that could, in the heart of Far North Queensland made national headlines 12 months ago for being the only approved country music festival to run in Australia last year.

More than 11,000 fans, including a large number from the Douglas Shire flocked to Mareeba’s Kerribee Rodeo grounds over the three days to finally get a live music fix.

Now, a year on, Savannah is back and Dein couldn’t be happier about it.

“Our focus this year is to keep building and to provide a festival and experience that everyone will enjoy,” Dein said.

“Having Brad (Paisley) headline the event is a real coup for us, while there are a range of other entertainers and performers that will cater to all the different types of music tastes.”

Day tickets to entice festival goers

Another cool feature of this year’s festival is the option for patrons to buy single day tickets.

So that means wherever you’re situated whether it’s the Tablelands or Cairns region or anywhere in between you have the option to attend one day of the festival only, if that is your preference to do so.

“Our focus is to always increase the overall experience of our festival goers so providing single day ticket options caters to those who might just want to pick one particular day to see their favourite artist(s) to enjoy the festival,” Dein told Newsport.

A Friday ticket only costs $89 and will give you access to performances from Shannon Noll, McAlister Kemp, King Stingray, The Buckleys, Tania Kernaghan, Gina Jeffries and many more.

A Saturday ticket only costs $129 and will get you performances by Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi, The Black Sorrows, James Blundell and others.

A Sunday only ticket costs $149. This ticket will give you access to headliner Brad Paisley, James Johnston, Mackenzie Porter, Tex Perkins and others.

Performances you can’t miss

Brad Paisley

It goes without saying the most anticipated performance of this year’s festival will be from American country music star Brad Paisley.

With a country music career spanning more than 20 years Paisley has done it all throughout his time in the industry.

Savannah festival goers will be keen to hear hits like “Waiting On a Woman”, “If I Get Where I’m Going”, “Mud On The Tyres”, “Whiskey Lullaby” and other songs from the country crooner.

Paisley plays the main stage on Sunday October 2, from 9.30pm.

James Johnston

In a little over two years James Johnston has emerged as one of Australia’s top country music artists. On the back of breakout hit “Raised Like That” the humble singer continues to be destined for big things.

With Johnston set to move to Nashville early in the new year festival goers are expected to flock to the main stage to see him do his thing, before he becomes even a bigger name then he is right now.

Johnston plays the main stage on Sunday October 2, from 5pm.

Jon Stevens

One of the most well-know rockers in the country Jon Stevens needs no introduction to local audiences.
Stevens is sure to bring the house down when he makes his way to perform at Savannah for the very first time.

Stevens plays the main stage on Saturday October 1, from 9.30pm.

Explore Tropical North Queensland

A festival like Savannah also gives patrons, whether local or based interstate the chance to combine awesome music with, perhaps, a little exploration of the wonderous attractions the region has to offer.

“There’s always the option for our visitors to consider extending their time in FNQ after the festival," Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen remarked.

"They may consider experiencing iconic local attractions like the Reef or Daintree, the iconic Tablelands and its beautiful waterfalls or even landmarks along the Savannah Way such as the Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge.

“Events like Savannah in the Round are vital for regional dispersal encouraging visitors to venture further into a destination to discover its hidden attractions.”

If you're keen for a drink and want ease and comfort of travel a shuttle bus is running from Port Douglas to the festival. A season shuttle pass will cost you $115, while a single day return shuttle is $40.

The Port Douglas shuttle will depart each day at 1pm from the Marina and do pickups at the Wildlife Habitat, Julatten School, Mount Molloy Hotel, Biboohra Roadhouse and arrive in Mareeba at 2.15pm. The Shuttle back to Douglas will leave the festival each day at 12am and arrive back at 1.15am.

To celebrate Savannah in the Round, Newsport has four tickets to give away to the festival. All you have to do is like this Facebook post and tag someone in the comments section who you would like to take with you. The Winner will be announced on Wednesday, September 28.

For everything about the festival check out https://www.savannahintheround.com.au/

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