Shannon Noll, Lee Kernaghan, and Tex Perkins are amongst over 40 artists set to take the stage at the Far North’s biggest country music festival, Savannah in the Round, in October.

Organisers have announced a full line up of stars set to rock out the inaugural three-day event at Kerribee Park Rodeo Grounds in Mareeba on October 1-3, which also includes chart-toppers John Williamson, Troy Cassar-Daley, Casey Barnes, Busby Marou, James Blundell, The McClymonts, The Wolfe Brothers, Brad Cox, Graeme Connors, The Buckleys and many more.

The three-day celebration of everything country is set to be the premier music destination on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

“It has been a tough time for everyone over the last year, but Savannah in the Round is committed to making sure Australia has a large-scale country music event in 2021 and we are proud to show the strength of Australia’s great talent pool with our announcement today,” said Sound Australia’s James Dein.

“With the capacity to add international talent as borders open, Savannah in the Round will serve the country music community and shine a light on the beauty of the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, not just in 2021 but for years to come.”

The event will not only boast its musical line up, but also host an Indigenous cultural program, community entertainment, local produce and goods, paddock to plate, and a full range of accommodation options, from drive-in campsites and ‘on-site ‘glamping’ tents right through to luxury options and transfers through accommodation partners in Cairns and Port Douglas.

“This spring, Mareeba will be the place to see the biggest names in country music, while experiencing First Nations culture in Queensland’s Year of Indigenous Tourism,” Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said.

“As we unite and recover from COVID-19, major events like Savannah in the Round are an opportunity to celebrate our resilience, while showcasing homegrown artists and contributing to regional economies.

“I hope Queensland and interstate attendees extend their stay beyond the long weekend, supporting local tourism operators while exploring the many natural splendours of the Tropical North.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said Savannah in the Round would give country music fans a compelling reason to holiday in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region.

“A dose of great Aussie music combined with a week or more exploring the accessible outback, the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforest will help beat the pandemic blues,” he said.