The Beach Boys Set To Jet Into Bondi

By Marcus Braid on August 3, 2015 in News

If there is one band in history embodies everything about the beach and summer vibes, it is undoubtedly The Beach Boys.

It is more than appropriate, then, that one of the most enduring and influential bands in pop history will headline the inaugural Bondi Beachfest.

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said Bondi Beachfest, to be held at Bondi Beach on November 14, was an exciting event that Council was proud to get behind.

“Waverley Council is proud to support Beachfest,” she said. “It reflects our wonderful beach culture, and is a great way to herald the summer holidays.

“Surf safety is a priority with Waverley, and we’re very pleased to see Beachfest helping raise much needed funds for our lifesavers.”

Cr Betts said the event will attract people from all ages, which was a positive.

“A lot of these things we try once, and then we see how it goes,” she said. “We’re still working out a few of the little details, but generally the whole concept we are generally supportive of.

“It certainly helps because of the beach culture, so we’re trying to make sure Surf Lifesaving NSW get a reasonable amount out of the event.”

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) is the official beneficiarie of Beachfest, with one dollar from every ticket sold to be donated to the organisation.

Phil Vanney, the CEO of SLSNSW, said Beachfest is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the surf lifesaving movement and increase awareness about the need to save lives.

“Surf Life Saving NSW relies heavily on the generosity and support of the community to continue to provide the vital service of keeping our beaches safe and ensuring that NSW beaches are patrolled by well trained and equipped Surf Life Saving volunteers,” he said.

Having The Beach Boys headline Bondi Beachfest is a big coup for event organisers. The band has produced songs with a blend of guitars and vocal harmonies, creating a signature California pop sound that is among the most recognisable in rock history.

The Beach Boys boast album sales of over 100 million, 32 American Platinum and Gold records, an induction into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award. Captained by Mike Love, The Beach Boys’ music defines youth and fun.

Beachfest’s other confirmed acts on the day include The Whitlams, Busby Marau, Kim Churchill and Sahara Beck.

Along with live performances from the bands all day, there will also be a surf lifesaving parade by the Bondi lifesavers, which will include a march past, beach flag event and board race. There will also be a Miss Beachfest Competition, surfing and skating exhibitions, plus market and food stalls on location for the duration of the event.

Bondi Beachfest will kick-off at 3pm on Saturday, November 14. Reserved seating tickets are $85 and are on sale at www.bondibeachfest.com.