And that’s a wrap. Cooly Rocks On bigger than ever in 2021!
After a short hiatus due to COVID-19, Cooly Rocks On dazzled crowds as it transformed Coolangatta into a colourful explosion of sound and culture, proving once again why it is a favourite amongst rock ‘n’ roll fans and nostalgia lovers of yesteryear!
Blessed with blue skies and balmy sunsets, the 2021 festival saw an unprecedented number of attendees flock to the beachfront to experience the cars, music, memories and moments of the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Australia’s largest Rock ‘n’ Roll and Nostalgia festival sure lived up to its title, providing non-stop action across the five days. The 2021 festival featured over 700 cars in the Shannons Show ‘N’ Shine, the pin-up pageants, and live entertainment, to the additions of new festival precincts including, the Elvis Precinct, Kustomville and Goodwin Park, plus so much more.
The new festival favourite and highly competitive Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest saw Brendon Chase take out first place. Brendon will receive automatic entry into the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, USA. Congratulations to all of the contestants! We can’t wait to welcome you all back next year!
Congratulations to the fabulous Miss Curly Sue who was crowned Miss Cooly Rocks On 2021 and the gorgeous Miss Cherry Red who was crowned Miss Rockabilly 2021. It has been an absolute delight to have each and every one of the pageant finalists grace the stage at Cooly Rocks On this year.
Major Events Gold Coast Director of Events and Festivals, Mark Duckworth, said,
“Following last year’s cancelled festival, we are so proud to have welcomed tourists and nostalgia enthusiasts back to the Coolangatta beachfront for one of Cooly Rocks On’s most successful years.”
“The addition of new activations, such as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, complimented the experience attendees have come to know and love across the festival’s 30-year history and we look forward to welcoming even more people to next year’s festival.”
As if the festival turnout could not get any better, the influx of visitors to the Southern Gold Coast has provided a much-needed boost to the local tourism industry with majority of accommodation and tourism operators at capacity during the five-day event.
Owner of two major Coolangatta businesses, Pancake Diner and The Aztec Mexican Restaurant, Glen Day said the event has been a welcomed boost to the Southern Gold Coast tourism and trade.
“After having all events cancelled or postponed last year due to COVID-19, Cooly Rocks On has brought welcome financial relief to small business owners, particularly in Coolangatta,” Said Mr Day.
“The days of and surrounding the festival saw a wonderful boost for local businesses and has lifted the spirit of both locals and businesses.”
We’ve loved seeing so many friends new and old come along and enjoy a shared love of the music, memories and moments of the 50s, 60s and 70s. We hope you had a spectacular 5 days in Coolangatta and have some new memories you can share with friends and family.
We thank our volunteers, crew, artists, partners and all of our loyal Cooly Rocks On fans, without you festivals like these wouldn’t happen and we are so grateful for your continued support.
Now, as we hang up our dancing shoes and reflect on the good times had, we’re excited to announce Cooly Rocks On will return 8-12 June 2022! We can’t wait to welcome you all back to celebrate the motors, music and memories of yesteryear.
