Maitland’s loss is Newcastle’s gain after organisers opted to shift Groovin the Moo from its spiritual Hunter Valley home in 2024.
More than 25,000 music fans are expected to converge on Foreshore Park on Saturday 4 May, with artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
The former steel city will form part of the festival’s national tour, with stopovers in Adelaide, Canberra, Bendigo, Sunshine Coast and Bunbury.
While Maitland has hosted Groovin the Moo for more than a decade, the location change was necessitated after punters were consulted about their needs, including more accessibility, parking and accommodation choices.
“We’re really excited to be putting on a festival in Foreshore Park,” a spokesperson said.
“The decision to move it was a very difficult one for us but, ultimately, we felt necessary to grow the event.
“Maitland has played a major part in the history of Groovin the Moo.
“However, Newcastle’s transport and accommodation options will provide a better experience for our patrons.
“Foreshore Park is a stunning location… and we look forward to calling it home.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the outcome reinforced Newcastle as a preferred destination for music and major events.
“City of Newcastle is a strong supporter of ‘live’ performances and committed to attracting and hosting major events as a primary driver of the local tourism visitor economy,” she explained.
“On the back of unforgettable performances last year by Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney, and ahead of next month’s sold-out Pink concert, Newcastle has become a must-stop destination for promoters looking for a world-class city to include on their national concert tour schedule.
“Groovin the Moo will be a valuable addition to this year’s calendar, allowing locals to experience some of the best Australian and international acts in their own backyard.
“As the only NSW stop on the tour, the festival will play an important role in boosting tourism and the local economy by attracting thousands of fans to travel to Newcastle for the event.
Maitland has played a major part in the history of Groovin the Moo. However, Newcastle’s transport and accommodation options will provide a better experience for our patrons.
Groovin the Moo spokesperson
“These types of major acts have proven their value to Newcastle, with Sir Elton John’s visit injecting more than $14 million into the local economy while Pink’s concert is forecast to deliver another $9 million economic windfall for the city.
“Ongoing investment in events and tourism is integral to building a thriving, diverse and robust economy.”
“Live” music advocate and King Street Hotel co-owner Greg Mathew welcomed the announcement of the tour.
“It will provide another great addition to the city’s thriving music scene,” he said.
“Having major events such as Groovin the Moo select Newcastle is a great sign of how our city has grown.
“It also shows how important it is for the Australian music scene.
“It’s a great boost for local business to have such a landmark festival call Newcastle home for its NSW leg, too.
“Newcastle has been a huge supporter of all genres of music… and I am sure the city will embrace Groovin the Moo.”
Tickets will go on sale soon.
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