Legendary reggae band UB40 will headline a Gunnamatta Park concert which will end the inaugural Australian Music Week Festival at Cronulla on November 18-22.
The five-day festival of live music will showcase Australian and international talent at various venues in the Cronulla CBD and plaza, culminating in the HiFi Days concert at Gunnamatta Park, with UB40 on Sunday, November 22.
Other HiFi Days performers will be Grinspoon lead singer Phil Jamieson, The Bamboos and Cronulla groups Caravana Sun and Fripps and Fripps.
The event is the brainchild of Brass Monkey owner Geoff Trio who describes it as ‘‘a summit for music industry executives, recording professionals, artists and music lovers’’.
Securing UB40 as the headline act is the result of months of negotiations.
‘‘UB40 is a major coup,’’ Mr Trio said.
‘‘It’s a first to have an act that is know around the world to headline a concert at Cronulla.
‘‘To get such a big international act of this level to come to Cronulla is a major achievement.’’
Mr Trio said he expected about 2500 people at the family-oriented concert.
He said the festival would be an annual event which he hoped would put Cronulla on the tourism and cultural map.
‘‘I would like to see Cronulla on the world stage,’’ he said.
‘‘It is one of the best beaches in the world — you can’t argue about that — and it’s a wonderful community.
‘‘I travel the world and I always love coming back to Cronulla.
‘‘It’s great to attract some of that culture from around the world to here.
‘‘I’m proud to be bring something back home.’’
Mr Trio plans to have up to 110 artists, Australian and international, appearing at Cronulla venues including Brass Monkey, Sting Bar, JDs Bar and Grill, and El Sol.
The festival, which aims to bring together various musical genres including pop, rock, blues and folk, will be a mix of free and ticketed events.
Several free stages will be around Cronulla CBD.
What's your favourite UB40 song?