Multi Award-winning children’s music group The Wiggles have today released a new single and video that promises to rev up the fun!

Big Red Ute is a lively country-rock infused anthem that invites young listeners (and parents alike) to hop on board for an exciting musical journey. Blending The Wiggles signature upbeat melodies, playful lyrics and irresistible beat, this is one catchy song that is sure to delight on any road trip.

While many are familiar with the iconic Big Red Car, for the first time ever The Wiggles have also unveiled their brand new, official roadworthy vehicle, the Big Red Ute. That’s right kids, you might just be lucky enough to ‘spotto’ The Wiggles cruisin’ on the road with their new wheels!

“’Big Red Ute’ is a playful nod to our original ‘Big Red Car’, but with a country rock twist that’s perfect for kids and parents alike. There’s something truly special about taking everyday things like electric windows, cup holders, and the sound of the engine, and turning them into exciting adventures for children. Young minds have a beautiful way of being fascinated by the simplest things. A child might hear the ‘vroom’ of an engine or see a window rolling up, and suddenly, it’s magic. ‘Big Red Ute’ is all about celebrating those little wonders that kids notice – things we adults sometimes take for granted. And the best part? It’s a song families can sing and dance to together, and we can’t wait to perform it at the Tamworth Country Music Festival!”

The Wiggles are set to throw on their cowboy / cowgirl hats, taking the Big Red Ute on a road trip to Australia’s Country Music Capital, Tamworth Country Music Festival, where they will take their show off road and perform two very special shows on January 21 at AELEC (Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre). This will be the first time The Wiggles have performed in such a unique venue which is usually reserved for Rodeo’s and Horse Cutting events. Tamworth get ready to Wiggle up and Giddy up!

Over the October long weekend, nestled in the tranquil countryside of Lower Belford, NSW, the Dashville Skyline Festival once again offered an unforgettable experience for music lovers, gathering a passionate crowd under the theme of cosmic country, alt-country, and roots music. Now in its 10th year, the festival delivered a captivating blend of local Australian talent and international acts, keeping true to its reputation as one of the most eclectic celebrations of Americana-inspired music in the Southern Hemisphere.

Set in the picturesque Dashville venue, the festival had a relaxed and earthy vibe, with gum trees framing the stages and the aroma of campfires lingering in the air. Dashville is a space designed for music lovers to kick back, enjoy quality live music, and immerse themselves in the festival’s homely, unpretentious atmosphere. As always, the weekend brought a diverse lineup of seasoned performers and emerging artists, leaving no corner of the alt-country genre unexplored.

William Crighton, one of Australia’s most revered contemporary roots artists, was among the weekend’s most highly anticipated acts. Crighton’s powerful presence commanded attention as he took to the stage with his signature fusion of folk, rock, and storytelling. The performance was a spellbinding journey, with Crighton weaving darkly poetic narratives about Australia’s landscape, its people, and environmental struggles. Tracks like “Stand on the Outside” and “Your Country” left the audience in awe, his voice booming with a deep, earthy resonance that felt like it rose from the very soil beneath our feet. His set was spiritual, raw, and unyielding—a true reflection of his artistic vision.

The energy shifted up a notch with Good Corn Liquor, a high-octane bluegrass band from Australia. Their set was lively, filled with blistering banjo licks and tight harmonies that brought a smile to every face in the crowd. Drawing on both traditional Appalachian influences and their own original compositions, they delivered a toe-tapping performance that had festivalgoers dancing in front of the stage and spilling into the surrounding fields. Their chemistry on stage was infectious, and the precision with which they navigated the complex rhythms and melodies made them a highlight of the weekend.

Shane Howard, the iconic Australian singer-songwriter and former lead of Goanna, graced the stage on Sunday night, creating an atmosphere of reflective, emotive storytelling. Howard, with his decades-long history in folk music, performed timeless hits like “Solid Rock” and “Let the Franklin Flow,” while his band added a fresh dynamic with harmonies and instrumental prowess. There was a sense of reverence in the audience as Howard’s words resonated deeply, drawing attention to Australia’s cultural history and environmental issues, while the songsmiths iconic songs still infuse energy into every performance.

International acts added a thrilling variety to the weekend. Uncle Lucius, the Southern rockers hailing from Austin, Texas, delivered two powerful and soulful sets. Their gritty, blues-infused sound was a perfect fit for Dashville’s cosmic country aesthetic, with fan favourites like “Keep the Wolves Away” resonating deeply with the crowd.

British singer-songwriter Grace Petrie brought something different to the lineup with her politically charged folk anthems. Armed with just her guitar and razor-sharp wit, Petrie won over the audience with songs that blended vulnerability, defiance, and hope. Her candid and conversational stage presence made the set feel deeply personal and connected, leaving many festivalgoers newly converted fans by the end.

The Rose City Band, a psychedelic Americana outfit from Portland, Oregon, took the audience on a trippy, sun-soaked journey. Their extended jams, lush melodies, and hypnotic rhythms were mesmerizing, offering a perfect soundtrack for a chilled afternoon. In contrast, Buck ‘N’ Stuff brought their Southern-fried swagger and rollicking country rock to the stage, firing up the crowd with loud guitars and gritty vocals.

Ross Wilson, the legendary frontman of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, brought a dose of classic Australian rock and roll to Dashville. His set was a hit parade of nostalgic gems, with songs like “Eagle Rock” and “Come Said the Boy” eliciting massive singalongs from the crowd. Despite his decades-long career, Wilson’s energy was as infectious as ever, proving that he’s still very much a force to be reckoned with on stage.

The Melbourne-based rock band Kingswood added a sharp, electrifying edge to the festival with their mix of rock, blues, and country-tinged tunes. Their hard-hitting performance, marked by tight musicianship and energetic stage presence, was a contrast to the more laid-back sets, injecting a bit of grit and edge into the weekend’s proceedings.

Meanwhile, Jeb Cardwell’s performance stood out for its masterful guitar work. The renowned guitarist and singer-songwriter, known for his ability to blend blues, rock, and country, delivered a searing set. His bluesy licks and soulful vocals left a lasting impression, earning him a new wave of admirers by the end of his performance.

Camille Trail’s haunting, smoky vocals and introspective songwriting made for one of the most captivating sets of the weekend, accompanied by the ethereal guitar and harmonies of Riley Catherall. Her ability to blend Americana with a distinctly Australian storytelling style is rare and refreshing. Andy Golledge, known for his rambunctious, beer-soaked alt-country style, had the crowd singing and stomping along to his lively tunes, creating an atmosphere of joyous rebellion. James Ellis & The Jealous Guys, bringing honky-tonk charm and twangy guitars, provided a refreshing dose of classic country music with a modern twist.

Ella Hooper, formerly of Killing Heidi fame, proved her versatility as an artist, stepping into the alt-country realm with grace. Her set was raw, emotive, and bursting with energy, showcasing her growth as a solo artist. Hooper’s powerful voice and charisma captivated the crowd, marking her transition from rock queen to a country star on the rise.

A festival at Dashville wouldn’t be complete without the presence of hometown heroes Magpie Diaries. Known for their soulful and nostalgic take on cosmic country, their performance was both a homecoming and a celebration of community. Magpie Diaries brought warmth to the stage, blending soulful harmonies with thoughtful lyricism. Their set featured songs from their album “Sanctuary”, which felt like an ode to the very spirit of the festival—heartfelt, reflective, and steeped in a love for music and storytelling.

Dashville Skyline 2024 was a triumphant celebration of music that defied the boundaries of genre, offering a platform for both seasoned artists and new talent to shine. The festival’s commitment to creating an inclusive, down-to-earth environment was palpable, making it a haven for cosmic country, roots, and Americana music in Australia. where each act brought something unique, ensuring that everyone left with memories of a weekend filled with music, community, and the timeless spirit of storytelling.

When Australia’s own Cosmic Country Weekender, Dashville Skyline, celebrates its 10th anniversary in October Long Weekend (NSW) 2024, it’s going to be one amazing event.

Today, the festival revealed the addition of 16 bands to its already impressive 2024 lineup. One of the highlights of this partnership is the addition of two regional acts from NSW to the festival lineup, which will serve as the last stop on the MusicNSW-sponsored “Golden Highway” regional tour.

Please welcome as part of the second announcement, soul country powerhouse Emma Donovan, the eclectic esoteric Ella Hooper from Killing Heidi fame, Tamworth alt-country party boy Andy Golledge, well swung country outfit James Ellis & The Jealous Guys, raucous Austin based debutants Buck N Stuff (US), loveable larrikin Watty Thompson, rising indie folk singer Camille Trail, the incredible Americana vibes of Jeb Cardwell & The Dream Deal, local bluegrass legends Good Corn Liquor, western swing pros Hunter Valley Ramblers, the sexy prowess of Kingsley James, and the deep flow of Andy Abra’s Big River Band.

Together with his incredible band The Peaceniks, one of Australia’s greatest, Ross Wilson, will perform massive tunes from the vaults of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock alongside these acts. The legendary US group Hurray For The Riff Raff, the country rock icons Kingswood, the legendary front man of Goanna, Shane Howard, the upbeat blues trio 19-Twenty, the local folk ruffian William Crighton, the Melbourne spaghetti-western supergroup The Counterfeit, featuring the amazing Freya Josephine Hollick  and folk troubadour Emily Barker.

Other international artists include Uncle Lucius, a Texan legend from Yellowstone fame and Grace Petrie, a folk singer from the UK.

The small but passionate Dashville team has showcased some of the best Australian alternative folk and country music of the last ten years, and they do it with style and independence. Known for always doing things their own unique way, they provide a lovely setting for thoughtfully crafted festival programming that are jam-packed with soulful performances from all over the nation and the globe. This year is no different!

The following acts will be present at Dashville Skyline in 2024:

Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks
Hurray For The Riff Raff (US)
Shane Howard & Band
Ella Hooper
Emma Donovan
Kingswood
William Crighton
Uncle Lucius (US)
Emily Barker
Rose City Band (US)
Grace Petrie (UK)
19-Twenty
Andy Golledge
James Ellis & The Jealous Guys
The Counterfeit
Freya Josephine Hollick
Dana Gehrman
Jeb Cardwell & The Dream Deal
Watty Thompson
Magpie Diaries
David M. Western
Leroy Macqueen
Good Corn Liquor
Buck N Stuff (US)
Camille Trail
Dank Hank & The Hot Ones
Small Town Romance
Piper Butcher
Kingsley James
Grand Pricks
Field Of Crows
Hunter Valley Ramblers
Andy Abra & The Big River Band
Dashville Progress Society

Plus two acts as part of MusicNSW ‘Golden Highway’ Tour

The event offers a unique weekend musical camping experience. It is held over the October Long weekend, which falls on Friday, October 4, Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, 2024, on the revered “island in the stream,” Dashville, in Wonnarua Country, Hunter Valley, New South Wales.

This festival isn’t only about country music. With a sky full of stars and songs overhead and another rabbit hole appearing at every turn, Dashville Skyline is a masterfully arranged musical extravaganza that meanders through a wide-open country landscape.

The family-friendly camping festival is a favorite among people who want more relaxed music, maybe with a hint of cool permeating their folk or country genre. The well-known festival offers an abundance of amazing live performances by carefully selected artists from Australia and beyond, together with several artistic partnerships, family-friendly events, and casual, vintage-style country fun.

One of the main spectacles of the festival is the immensely popular Sunset Super Round. On Saturday at nightfall, artists on the bill merge around the main stage in spontaneous collaboration, to pay homage to their favourite songs of the “golden era”.

Tickets for Dashville Skyline 2024 are on sale now at the Dashville Store.

The festival program extends from Thursday 3rd October through to Sunday night, October 6, 2024.