Image: Rhythm and the Reef has adopted a community model to get the community involved. Photo supplied
The landscape of the events industry has changed drastically since the pandemic brought social gatherings to a screaming halt.
Slowly but surely, the industry is finding its feet but is having to adapt to post-pandemic changes, finding new ways to thrive.
Rhythm and the Reef returns to Mackay tomorrow and Event Director James Slade has enlisted the help of the local community, hoping for a win-win for all involved.
“A lot of these big businesses are starting to take a keen interest in getting involved with us, especially the local grassroots music and arts festivals,” he said.
“There’s a benefit to the community model because it gets all of the Mackay region involved.”
As more and more events rise from the ashes of an event-less pandemic, consumers are finding themselves spoilt for choice, meaning events are competing against more than ever before.
Equally, cost-of-living pressures are seeing festivals and experiences drop down the priority list for consumers.
Mr Slade says the community model helps events navigate these concerns.
“(Businesses) partner up with the event and provide different parts of it, whether it’s the green arts segment of Rhythm or part of the production or putting up a second stage,” he said.
“They all sort of chip in in different ways.
“It doesn’t necessarily always mean money; it just means we’re trying to add so that the community can be thoroughly involved.”
As well as big business, local retail, tourism and hospitality businesses are also given the chance to get involved with food vendors, market stalls and auxiliary events supporting Rhythm and the Reef.
“These businesses also see that it’s important that the community creates a culture of excitement and, by doing so, it encourages young people to move to the area,” Mr Slade said.
“We’ve got all these jobs available, but we have all these young people moving away so it’s about trying to encourage these people to stay in the northern regions.
“There is a lot of good things happening in the region.
“Even though we’re in these hard times, people are still showing support for these events.”
Now in its second year, Rhythm and the Reef aims to perfect the foundations that were built in its inaugural year by bringing on businesses and supporters like FMS Group, Daly Bay, Ambassador Hotel, MQ Licensed Events, NQ Productions, Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Isaac Tourism.
The event will feature installation art pieces, sustainable sculptures, a live visual artist, a bigger line-up of headline and local artists as well as local food and market vendors.
“It’s this huge collaboration of everything now so it’s a big step up and it’s in a great location,” Mr Slade said.
WHAT: Rhythm and the Reef 2022
WHERE: Bluewater Quay
WHEN: Saturday, September 24 from 1:00pm
TICKETS: Oztix
