The fifth T8T Fest has wrapped up for Bowen, but the work isn’t over yet!
For the Tait family who organise T8T Fest, the festival acts as a reunion and special celebration of life for their much-loved family member Nicholas Tait, who passed away in 2016 from Melanoma.
At the age of 36, Nicholas was diagnosed with melanoma, and 16 short weeks later, he sadly passed away.
“And in 2017, we held a reunion for everyone who knew Taity,” explained Amanda Tait, Nicholas’ eldest sister.
“We held it at the Grand View Hotel and held some raffles for the Australia Melanoma Research Foundation, and from there, the event just got bigger and bigger.”
For the 2023 event, the T8T Fest saw over 500 walk through the doors.
“From what started as a few ideas thrown around by friends and family to this massive event, it’s great. Year on year, it keeps building momentum.”
The 2023 event welcomed four Bowen local music acts, Head Rush, Cameron Bartlett, Damon Leary and up-and-comers Gleezus, and Airlie Beach musicians The Fox.
“We try and support Bowen bands, because it gives the local guys a platform to perform at someplace not a pub,” Amanda explained.
While Nicholas was a fan of heavy rock music, the event usually has a mixed genre of music, so that everyone can enjoy the festivities.
“Not this year though! Quite a lot of the acts was heavy rock, but everyone had a great time.”
With 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Australia Melanoma Research Foundation, the T8T Fest remains in the honour and memory of Nicholas, a Bowen born and bred local whose legacy remains strong.
“A lot of people come to T8T Fest because of Nicholas, they were his friends or family, but people also just come for the music. Others come just because it’s a charity event and want to support it.”
Amanda and the organisers would also like to thank the sponsors of the event.
To learn more about T8T Fest or to support their cause, follow their Facebook page.
Photo credit: Ashlee Webster
