Groovin the Moo music festival set to return to Bunbury in 2023 after three-year hiatus

The popular Groovin the Moo music festival finally looks set to return to Bunbury after the local council made an early commitment to throw money at it next year. The City of Bunbury announced last week it had allocated $15,000 to the festival for 2023 which had not been to WA since beginning of the pandemic. The popular regional music festival made a comeback in 2022 after two years in limbo but did not come back to WA, with promoters saying they could not confidently deliver the show. But with restrictions now dropped and the Bunbury council committing the funds, the festival looks set to finally return. City of Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said he expected the 2023 festival to rock Bunbury again. “I went there as a younger man a few years ago and it is always sold out very early,” he said. “Anyone who is thinking about coming down or getting friends over should make sure they get their reservations in early, because I am sure it will be as big as ever after that little break.” Mr Miguel said the event — which began in 2005 and first came to WA in 2010 — would give Bunbury a great opportunity to show off its new attractions to the State. “It is an Australia wide event and we know it is always going to be very popular,” he said. “To bring tens of thousands of people to the city for the weekend, enjoying our place, especially with all the new things that are happening in Bunbury, is going to be great. “We are really looking forward to the excitement and economic boost it will bring to the city.” Promoter Steve Halpin, of Cattleyard, said in December 2021 the full six-date tour would return when restrictions in WA allowed for it. “We’re continuing conversations with local stakeholders and will return when we can be comfortable that we’re going to deliver our full-quality show,” he said at the time. The festival was first cancelled in March 2020. Former headliners at the massive event include Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, A$AP Ferg, Hilltop Hoods, Thelma Plum, PNAU, Grinspoon, Wolfmother and San Cisco.