Retro Rocks at Cooly Rocks On

By Benjamen Judd

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Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to grease that hair and dust off your tightest pencil skirt – Cooly Rocks On is about to hit the region and the only rule is no squares will be allowed.

Kicking off on Friday, May 30 and lasting eleven full days of pure musical and kustom care glory, the Cooly Rocks On Festival is an internationally renowned event that captures the heart and soul of 50s and 60s rock and roll and runs over the borders of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads every June. The festival consists of a car show of over 1,000 hot rods, custom and classic cars and the toe-tapping sounds of Rock ‘n Roll, Rockabilly and Swing. The entertainment which takes up an entire surf precinct in Kirra includes numerous shows, displays, competitions, parades, rides, prizes and fun for all the family.

This is a fantastic opportunity to live, even if for a short time only, a truly golden era of music and fashion and an era that we here at QT Gold Coast are obviously rather fond of (how could you not, everyone looked so damned sharp). Take part in dance lessons and even dance competitions if you dare. There are also surf competitions and a slew of various events that people of all skills, talents and hairstyles can participate in. Our particular favourite, and maybe even one a few of us may even be taking part in, is the coveted title of Miss Cooly Rocks On. You can even nab yourself some vintage bargains at the retro markets and take a little piece of the festival home with you!

The festival is free to enter but certain performances and acts are ticketed so it is best to buy online ahead of schedule to avoid queues at the venue.

Cooly Rocks On is taking place across Coolangatta and Tweed Heads from Friday, May 30 until June 9.