James Johnston, a country music singer-songwriter from Wingham, Australia, is set to headline this year’s annual Wingham Music Festival. The event, scheduled to take place over three days, aims to assist local residents in their recovery from severe flooding that impacted the region in May 2023.
In May, the Mid North Coast of New South Wales experienced unprecedented rainfall, with over 700 millimetres falling within a single week. This led to the Manning River reaching record levels, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Towns like Wingham, Taree, Harrington, Coopernook, Nabiac, and Gloucester were severely flooded, damaging approximately 10,000 homes and crippling local infrastructure. Many residents remain affected by the aftermath of this natural disaster.
The Wingham Music Festival has dedicated itself to flood recovery, seeking to bring the community together through the healing power of music. Free tickets are being offered to residents from seven flood-affected postcodes, and proceeds from ticket sales will contribute to local recovery efforts. By participating in the festival, attendees will not only enjoy live music but also support local businesses and families.
James Johnston, who has gained significant acclaim in the country music scene, expressed his eagerness to perform at the event. “I knew I wanted my first show back in my hometown to be something truly special,” Johnston stated. “After everything this past year has thrown at this community, there’s no better reason to come together and celebrate how far we’ve come.”
The festival will feature a lineup of talented artists, including Backsliders, The Badloves, Bill Chambers, Round Mountain Girls, and Blues Arcadia. Johnston’s remarkable rise in the industry includes over 134 million global streams, six No.1 airplay singles, and two Golden Guitar Awards in 2023 for New Talent of the Year and Vocal Collaboration of the Year.
Festival coordinator Donna Ballard highlighted the significance of this year’s event. “This year’s festival feels more meaningful than ever. Our community needs a celebration, and having James Johnston return home to headline makes it all the more special,” she said. Ballard expressed excitement about the festival, emphasizing the joy of welcoming back a local talent who has remained loyal to his roots.
As Wingham continues to recover from the devastating floods, the music festival offers a vital opportunity for residents to reconnect and rebuild their community spirit. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together both long-time fans and new admirers of Johnston’s music.
The Wingham Music Festival not only celebrates local talent but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the community in the face of adversity. With music at its heart, the festival aims to foster unity and healing among those affected by the floods, ensuring that Wingham emerges stronger than ever.
