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Smorgasbord of festivals, concerts on offer for seniors
Australia’s vibrant music scene is not just for the young. It’s also for the young at heart and that definitely includes seniors, with many musical festival experiences designed specifically for them.
Every taste in music is catered for, from international cultural events to the biggest, and often ageing, pop and rock stars. Whatever you listen to on your CD player will have some kind of live music experience somewhere in Australia. It’s just a matter of knowing where to find them.
Choosing the right festival or concert: When selecting a music festival or concert, consider the genre of music you enjoy. Australia hosts a wide range of events, from classical and jazz to rock and country. For instance, the Blue Mountains Music Festival in Katoomba is perfect for fans of folk, roots and blues.
If you prefer classical music, the Sydney symphony orchestra regularly performs at the iconic Sydney Opera House. And then there’s Tamworth’s world-famous celebration of country music that draws a big crowd every year.
Check on accessibility and comfort: Many festivals and concert venues in Australia are committed to providing accessible facilities for seniors. Look for events that offer seating options, accessible restrooms and easy access to the venue. For example, the Premier’s gala concerts in Sydney, part of the NSW Seniors Festival, are specifically designed with seniors in mind, offering comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
Planning your visit: Another thing to consider is how easy it is to plan a trip to a venue to enjoy the music. Some festivals are better organised in this regard than others. It pays to buy your tickets in advance to secure the best seats. If the event is held over several days, consider booking nearby accommodation. Many festivals, such as WOMADelaide in Adelaide, offer package deals that include tickets and accommodation.
Plan your travel to and from the event: Public transport is often a convenient option, but not every location is accessible by public transport, so make sure that there is an option available. For example, many festivals provide shuttle services from major transport hubs. For example, the CMC Rocks festival in Queensland offers shuttle buses from Brisbane and Ipswich.
Ensure you have any necessary medications and a plan for emergencies: Stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothing and protect yourself from the sun with hats and sunscreen. Many music festivals take advantage of Australia’s warm weather, but this comes with health risks for people that don’t come prepared.
Enjoy the experience: Music festivals and events are busy, and, by definition, noisy. They can become uncomfortable and unpleasant if you’re not used to a lot of hustle and bustle and haven’t prepared ahead of time. Arriving early allows you to find good seating and get familiar with the venue. It also gives you time to explore any additional attractions, such as food stalls and merchandise stands.
Music festivals and concerts are also great places to meet new people and share your love of music. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with fellow attendees and never feel pressured to stay in one place for the entire event. Take breaks to rest, explore the venue and enjoy the surroundings.
Notable festivals and concerts for seniors:
WOMADelaide: Held in Adelaide’s Botanic Park, this festival celebrates world music, arts and dance. It’s a family-friendly event with plenty of seating and shaded areas.
SummerSalt: This festival series takes place in stunning coastal locations across Australia, featuring a mix of local and international artists. It’s a relaxed event perfect for enjoying music by the beach.
Blue Mountains music festival: Ideally located, this festival offers a mix of folk, roots and blues music. It’s a smaller, more intimate festival with a friendly community vibe.
Finally, it’s important to keep an eye on festival websites and social media for updates on line-ups, schedules and any changes to the event. Australian music festivals have a habit of using non-conventional means to advertise and promote, so you need to tap into that to keep across everything that’s going on.
Most importantly of all is to enjoy the music and the experience. Music festivals and concerts are about having fun and creating lasting memories, and there is more than enough of them that are senior friendly to offer a busy schedule of live music.
