THE RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL STARTED MORE THAN A DECADE AGO. IT WAS CREATED FOR MUSIC LOVERS BY MUSIC LOVERS, WITH A GOAL TO PUT PATRONS’ EXPERIENCE AT THE FOREFRONT.
That goal has been realised, with the Riverboats Music Festival becoming a must for any die-hard Australian music fan.
“We put more time and effort into ensuring the festival has a perfect visitor experience than any other festival out there,” festival director David Frazer said.
“Every single choice, no matter how small, gets scrutinised to ensure it’s perfect for our festival-goers.
“Our food trucks have an application process, and we curate all our food vendors so that there is a wide range to choose from for our patrons.
“In the 11 years of the festival, we’ve gone through six different toilet companies, because even a decision as small as that had to perfect for the patrons.”
But it isn’t just the food and toilets that the Riverboats Music Festival team stresses over — they also spend an entire year putting together the best line-up of performers possible.
In years gone by, famous Australian acts such as Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Missy Higgins, The Cat Empire and Australia’s own Eurovision star, Kate Miller-Heidke, have performed at the Riverboats Music Festival.
“We try and focus on Australian artists,” David said.
“We’re so fortunate in Australia, that we have so many incredible artists, in so many differing genres.
“Diversity is so important with our line-up, so we try and get artists from so many different genres so there is something for everyone.
“Americana, country, blues, hip hop, indie — the list goes on of the genres you’ll find at the festival.”
Last year, the festival was headlined by Indigenous artist Baker Boy, who also performed at the 2021 AFL Grand Final.
Although this year’s line-up hasn’t been announced, David said fans would be extremely happy with it.
“We’re putting the final touches to the line-up at the moment, but we are really, really excited by it,” he said.
“It is looking really diverse and is looking really strong so we’re keen to see what our fans think of it.”
Because of the many genres that are on show, the festival is a targeted at all ages.
“We’re very similar to the Meredith festival, in that our age range is so great,” David said.
“We have young people, families, middle-aged — the spread of fans is so fantastic.
“We want to make sure it is as accessible for everyone, and that is where our almost obsessive care for the experience comes in.”
Tickets for the 2023 Riverboats Music Festival are due to go on sale later in the year, costing $195 for the three-day festival.
The festival will be held from February 17 to 19 in Echuca’s Aquatic Reserve.
For more information, head to: www.riverboatsmusic.com.au