INTRODUCTION
This year I had the pleasure of spending a day at the Cooly Rocks On Festival. This exciting event is a fun day out that takes place every June in Coolangatta, just down the coast of Surfer's Paradise on the Gold Coast. It's a vintage paradise featuring Australia's best Show n' Shine displays, with a variety of attractions and entertainment for all. From classic rock 'n' roll to street parades, live music, and dancing, it's a feast for the eyes.
The Vibrant Atmosphere
In the world of classic cars, hot rods, and vintage fashion, there were plenty of opportunities to explore and have a little fun. From the moment I arrived, the streets were bustling with people of all ages. Classic cars lined the streets and the sound of 50s and 60s music filled the air. People from all over the world were drawn to Cooly Rocks On Festival, creating a diverse and welcoming crowd. As I wandered around, I couldn't help but notice the smiles on everyone's faces. The friendly and vibrant atmosphere made me feel like I had been transported back in time to the 1950s and 60s, a time when music was the heartbeat of society. It was easy to get lost in the nostalgia, admiring the classic cars and retro fashion. The energy was infectious, and it wasn't long before I found myself tapping my feet to the music. Cooly Rocks On Festival truly captured the essence of rock 'n' roll culture, and it was an experience I will never forget.
The Cool Cars
Whether you're a car aficionado or just love admiring beautiful vehicles, you won't be disappointed by the amazing collection of vintage cars on display. Being my first year attending, I was amazed to hear that there were over 900 cars on display. Having spent a day there, I couldn't help but wonder how much work and dedication went into the event, let alone each vehicle. It's clear that each car was meticulously restored and lovingly maintained. The craftsmanship and quality of these vintage cars are unparalleled, each with its unique personality and style. The bright colours, chrome accents, and custom upholstery all added to the unique character of each vehicle.
Rockin' Entertainment
With an incredible lineup of musicians, the festival had something for everyone. It featured some of the best tribute artists from around the world from which I quickly found myself drawn to the sound of rockabilly, a genre that blends elements of country music with rock 'n' roll. For me, the highlight of the entertainment was definitely Johnny Pandora and his motorcycle gang. Their music style, Samurai Rock 'n' Roll, infuses traditional Japanese music styles with specialty music of their own rock roots such as rockabilly, punk, and blues which I found to be uniquely captivating. Even those who didn't know how to dance couldn't resist swaying to the music. As Elvis Presley once said, "Rock and roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can't help but move to it." And that's exactly what happened at Cooly Rocks On Festival.