The recent Savannah in the Round festival saw an impressive surge in attendance, attracting approximately 10,000 visitors for its closing night featuring the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band. The event, held in Mareeba, Australia, ran from October 15 to 18, 2025, and was marked by a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, community spirit, and local culture.
Festival director James Dein expressed his satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the festival’s attendance figures were on the rise. The event kicked off with around 5,000 attendees during the Campers Concert and the Great Northern Bullriding Series, indicating a strong start to the festivities. “It has been fantastic to see this festival continue to grow,” he stated, highlighting the band’s exceptional performance as a key attraction.
Over the course of four days, the festival featured more than 60 artists across four stages, offering a diverse range of musical genres including country, rock, blues, pop, and folk. Notable performances included sets from Kasey Chambers, Daryl Braithwaite, The Black Sorrows, Amy Sheppard, and Jackson Dean from the USA. “It’s what makes Savannah unique,” Dein remarked. “People love the freedom to curate their own program. There is also great food, traders, kids’ activities, art, and workshops. It’s a true family event.”
The highlight of the festival was the campers’ concert, which drew a large crowd and maintained a positive, trouble-free environment. “It’s been a fantastic four days from start to finish,” Dein noted, emphasizing the community aspect of the event. The campground sold out well in advance, with additional campers accommodated at the nearby Mareeba International Club. This sold-out status reflects the increasing demand for an immersive Savannah experience, allowing attendees to stay close to the main stage and engage fully in the festival atmosphere.
Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for the Savannah in the Round 2026 festival. Dein revealed that organizers are close to finalizing the lineup for next year, which promises to include both major Australian and international acts. “We are close to signing off our next international headliners, with some massive Australian and overseas acts to come,” he said.
With its successful run this year, Savannah in the Round continues to solidify its reputation as a premier music festival, drawing crowds eager to enjoy a blend of entertainment, community, and culture.
