Strumming Bird Festival

FestivalClaremont Showgrounds, 01 November 2025

A stunning, sunny spring day saw cowboy boots, hats, and imaginative costumes take over Claremont Showgrounds for the inaugural Strummingbird Festival. Touted as modern country with a twist, the event delivered on that promise, bringing together a dynamic line-up headlined by genre-blending heavyweights Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, alongside a host of popular Australian acts and rising international names.

If anyone still doubted the pull of country music — especially among younger fans — the tens of thousands of punters having an absolute blast across the grounds would have quickly dispelled those doubts. From the sprawling Wildwing Stage to the undercover Silver Spur Saloon, which hosted both live sets and Maddison Glover’s crowd-pleasing line dancing sessions, the atmosphere was upbeat, friendly, and infectiously fun.

Festivalgoers were spoiled for choice with an abundance of food vans and a colourful array of country-themed stalls, ensuring every taste and style was catered for.

Musically, every act delivered — and then some. Fans travelled from across the country to see their favourites, with strong performances from Wade Forster, Zac & George, James Johnston, and Rachel Fahim showcasing the strength of Australia’s contemporary country scene. International artists Kaylee Bell (Aus/NZ), Julia Cole, and the stunningly soulful Shaboozey added a global flair to the mix.

But when Jelly Roll and his powerhouse band stormed the main stage, the festival hit another level entirely. Their energy was relentless from the first chord to the final encore, leaving the crowd roaring for more and cementing the headliner’s reputation as one of the most compelling live performers in the genre.

Judging by the crowd numbers, the energy, and the sheer joy that filled the showgrounds, the Strummingbird Festival has well and truly earned its wings. Here’s hoping it soars back into Perth’s calendar next year; bigger, bolder, and even twangier.

A triumphant debut that proved country music’s heart beats strong and loud in Western Australia.