The 2023 BLEACH* Festival celebrates the city’s landscape in all its breathtaking glory. The 12th anniversary will be from August 3 to 13. It will take place in five locations: North Burleigh, Broadbeach Cultural Precinct, Gold Coast Botanical Gardens, Home of the Arts (HOTA) and Currumbin Valley, plus additional city-wide activations.
With an opera, jazz, classical, and folk music schedule, the Botanic Gardens is once again the home of world-class music beneath the night sky. The North Burleigh Festival Hub continues to provide a free live music and outdoor performance program. This year, though, there is a new hub.
Over 20 performances are available at the new Broadbeach Festival Hub, ranging from rough diamonds to hidden treasures, river concerts to global music, cabaret, and party queens. It will be a fantastic night out with something for everyone.
Here are some events you can attend to aid your festival adventure!
First Light – Heartland
Ed Hardy Park, The Esplanade North Burleigh
August 3
To mark the start of the BLEACH* Festival, sink your toes into the sand of Burleigh Beach and see the first rays bounce off the sea. Heartland is a poignant fusion of traditional songlines, poetry, and didgeridoo led by Kalkadunga man William Barton and violinist Véronique Serret. The Australian countryside inspires the musical duo’s tranquil sound world.
Acoustic Life of Sheds
Various locations in Currumbin Valley
August 5 – 6
Get in your car and drive via winding roads into the verdant Currumbin Valley, where this year’s musical experience awaits. The tiny performances in the historic country shed showcase the stage’s hidden secrets. This musical road trip is an authentic bucket list experience, with site-specific works performed in each of the numerous sheds.
Ritchie Daniell and Samuel Pankhurst, long-time musical soulmates, will be performing. Christine Johnston will also be there. See how she combines vocal performance and music with her creative arts expertise. Finally, Brian Ritchie, bass guitarist for the Violent Femmes, will also take the stage. Expect nothing less than the best from him at the Acoustic Life Of Sheds.
Live Music Stage
Ed Hardy Park, The Esplanade North Burleigh
August 4 – 6 and 11 – 13
Head to the Gold Coast’s most excellent beachside club on these dates. Catch the incredible music lineup, which includes Gold Coast Music Awards nominees showcasing the finest in local talent. Open from Friday through Sunday during the festival.
Embers
Ed Hardy Park, The Esplanade North Burleigh
August 12 – 13
Families and children of all ages are encouraged to join Aboriginal artist and master fire starter Rick Roser, a festival favourite. At this interactive session, Rick shares traditional methods. Gather together and study the ancient skill of string-making before handcrafting fire.
Rick Roser, a Picambul artist from southern Queensland, has been creating art and artifacts since 12. His sculptures and paintings are at the National Gallery, the Queensland Art Gallery, and private collections.
Last Light – Tower Divas
Ed Hardy Park, The Esplanade North Burleigh
August 13
Surrender to the Tower Divas’ mesmerising frequencies on the final night of BLEACH* during the thrilling world premiere. Yolngu songstress Gambirra Illume, Maori sonic weaver Whaia, and Korean-born vocalist Sunny Kim join forces for a soul-stirring performance.
Catch the 12th BLEACH* Festival! Book your festival accommodations at The Rocks Resort. Relax, unwind, and make memories at our Currumbin Beach Accommodation.
The resort is near Currumbin Beach, Queensland, about 8-10 minutes north of Coolangatta Airport. We are the only resort on Currumbin Beach between Elephant Rock and Currumbin Rock. Book your Currumbin Accommodation with us today!