Valley Fiesta returns for a long weekend of music’s homegrown heroes

It’s all fiesta, no siesta next month, with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announcing the return of one of Brisbane’s biggest annual parties, Valley Fiesta from 28-30 October.

Cr Schrinner said more than 20 venues across Fortitude Valley would come alive over three days to feature more than 150 artists including hometown heroes Hope D, rapper Nerve and Beddy Rays.

“There is no better way to revive our embattled music industry that to ensure the show goes on and Valley Fiesta will be a shot in the arm for our beloved music venues and artists who have lost their livelihoods due to snap lockdowns and restrictions,” he said.

“This year, the fiesta will fall on the rescheduled Ekka Friday long weekend, I want to see as many people as possible dedicate their long weekend to supporting our local live music industry.

“And if there wasn’t another reason for music-lovers to rejoice, the Valley’s Brunswick Mall will also transform into a Music Marketplace on Saturday 30 October, with vinyl swaps, vintage clothing, pop-up DJs and more.”

Artist Hope D said knowing that iconic events like Valley Fiesta were still pushing ahead in these times to give bands and music fans the chance to come together again, is exactly what we all need right now.

“We are so lucky to be at this stage (so to speak), and I can’t wait to be a part of such an incredible festival run by an incredible team for incredible artists to be enjoyed by incredible people,” she said.

Powderfinger guitarist and Valley Fiesta ambassador, Ian Haug, said, “I’ve been to nearly every Valley Fiesta over the last 24 years and every year is wildly different – the venues are varied, the bands are diverse and the Brisbane audiences are excitable. What could go wrong? I love the music scene in the Valley.”

QMusic CEO, Kris Stewart said, “It’s never been more challenging to plan and produce a live event, but we didn’t hesitate to continue Valley Fiesta’s legacy of putting homegrown heroes on homegrown stages.

“Events like Valley Fiesta are absolutely critical to saving the music industry right now…for artists, venues, live gig fans and the future of Queensland culture.”

With past appearances from acts like Flume, Alison Wonderland, Cub Sport, The Preatures, Hayden James and Dune Rats, Valley Fiesta continues to play a monumental role in building the Australian music scene over the past 24 years.
Tickets for Valley Fiesta are on sale now via: www.valleyfiesta.com.au. The 2021 Valley Fiesta Lineup includes:

Notes to Editors:
Valley Fiesta is presented by Brisbane City Council and QMusic. The festival is now in its 24th year (est. 1997).

Valley Fiesta is all about celebrating Fortitude Valley’s favourite live music venues who each offer a program of Queensland’s hottest acts direct to music lovers craving to see their homegrown heroes on homegrown stages.
150 performers (including DJs, dancers and musicians) will perform in more than 20 of Brisbane’s most beloved music venues throughout the Fortitude Valley precinct, from Thursday 28 October to Saturday 30 October.

Due to the recent lockdown in South-East Queensland, the Ekka public holiday was shifted to October 29, meaning Valley Fiesta falls on a long weekend this year.