Churchill Island lights up for Ocean Sounds

OCEAN Sounds 2024 was an unforgettable music festival for Phillip Island. A wave of talented artists took to the stage – performing live in front of an electric sold-out crowd on the picturesque Churchill Island.

Founder/Director of The Hills are Are Alive Group Aidan McLaren said this year’s Ocean Sounds was exactly what we envisaged and hoped for when we started the event 5 years ago. World class artists coming to the local area. Music lovers of all ages (including so many families!) partying together and having the time of their lives in a safe and stunning natural environment.

"Thousands of smiling faces," said Aidan. 

The 24-degree weather on the January summers day really set the tone for a stellar line up that was to come; but first to get everyone moving was the remarkable welcome to country performers Millowl Dreaming - a traditional passage welcoming those to the island of Millowl.

Local artist Fonzie; a proud Gunai man who has music in his blood then showcased his talent – a voice known as honey melting off a hot rock”. Fonzie has performed across the country and was warmly welcomed as the opening artist.

Janie Gordon then stepped on stage capturing the audience with her smooth and angelic tones. Janie is a singer songwriter from South Gippsland who has been gracing the music scene for a few years now.

With a mix of legendary artists revealed to headline the annual Ocean Sounds Festival since its inaugural event - Xavier Rudd really drew in an enthused passionate crowd that created a moving atmosphere.

Throughout the afternoon the all-ages crowd were entertained by dress-ups and creative art in the ‘children’s zone’, braids by Ocean Soul Hair and exquisite face painting by Ocean Soul Sparkles. All whilst Sunfruits – a psychedelic pop band had the crowd jumping with their impressive new-age take on psychedelia and garage rock – an energetic performance by Winter McQuinn, Evie Vlah, Elena Jones, and Gene Argiro.

Felipe Baldomir then made an imprint to the event, with the crowd in awe of his distinctive talent – performing upbeat sounds on guitar, playing keys, looping and his run on the saxophone; the instrument that sets him apart from other Indi-folk performers – certainly a crowd favourite.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Spiderbait then kept up vibe with the crowd set in to dance into the evening, singing along to renowned platinum-selling Black Betty before sharing the stage with musical legend Xavier Rudd who played into the evening.

The line up of food vendors ensured all festival goers were treated with quality food, including Pellegrino Pizza, Melbourne Paella, Inkredible Calamari, Moobaacluck Burgers, Twista Sis, Nem Nem, Lime & Co, Doin Dumplings, Skewer 88, Fleming Berries, Whipped and Messin with Jim.

The introduction of the ‘circus tent’ shade and mist tent were well received by the crowd this year, allowing everyone to cool down in the summer heat.

With the intention to keep Churchill Island litter free during the annual event, Ocean Sounds established a well-received initiative of $1 back for each drink sold to ensure the crowd didn’t leave their beer cans behind.

At sundown singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd spoke of visiting the island as a child, and his connection to the coast. He drew in the entire crowd; alluring those experiencing his talent for the first time and captivating once again those who have followed his tours for years on end.

"We’d love to say thank you to every single person that has supported this event to grow into what it is today and to the many local businesses involved in making it possible." 

Ocean Sounds will be back in January 2025. Head to www.oceansoundsfestival.com.au and sign up to request your favourite artists for next year's annual summer festival.