i98FM Illawarra Convoy announces artists for their Free Family Fun Day.

6 October, 2023

i98FM Illawarra Convoy announces artists for their Free Family Fun Day.

Returning for its 19th year in 2023, the i98FM Illawarra Convoy has locked in its main stage musical acts for the accompanying free Family Fun Day to be held on Sunday 19th November at Shellharbour Airport Albion Park Rail.

Multi-platinum selling ARIA nominated singer/songwriter, Ricki-Lee will take the stage with back-up dancers, for her first ever performance at the Convoy free Family Fun Day.

Since she was discovered on Australian Idol in 2004, Ricki-Lee has become a household name and is one of Australia’s most loved popstars! With a string of hits to her name, the powerhouse vocalist from the Gold Coast has sold over a million records globally and has had almost 100 million streams of her music with 4 x #1’s on the ARIA Dance Chart & UK Club Chart, 15 x ARIA Top 20 singles, 3 x ARIA Top 10 Albums, and a Top 10 single on Japan’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart – earning herself 6 x Gold, 5 x Platinum and 4 x Double Platinum certifications as well as a nomination for the prestigious ARIA Award for Song Of The Year.

Ricki-Lee will also be joined by ARIA nominated Aussie rockers Thirsty Merc to provide the main stage sounds for the huge free Fun Day.

Having released 4 critically acclaimed albums, over 250,000 album sales under their belt, a finalist in the APRA Song of the Year for 20 Good Reasons and receiving 5 ARIA Award nominations, Thirsty Merc have found their way into the fabric of Australia’s musical landscape. Thirsty Merc formed in Sydney in 2002 releasing their debut EP, First Work, in September 2003, before being signed to Warner Music. The band’s big break came in 2004 with the release of their debut, self-titled, album which included the hits, Someday Someday and In The Summertime (the theme for Bondi Rescue since 2006). Two more studio albums followed - Slideshows in 2007 (#4 ARIA Album) and Mousetrap Heart in 2010 (#14 on the ARIA Album chart) which included radio staples, 20 Good Reasons, Mousetrap Heart and Tommy and Krista. In the midst of a huge national “20 good years tour” Thirsty Merc are set to rock the free Family Fun Day.

Supporting the two major artists are The Goat featuring Tim Stevens, local cover band Altered States, 2022’s Convoy Band Competition winners: The Vandastruts, plus Kate Young, Angie Childs and friends, and Polly Hazelton.

All artists are provided to the free community event thanks to a generous $50,000 Entertainment Sponsorship provided by Bluescope, a sponsorship proved to Convoy since 2017.

The free Family Fun Day will also include over 65 food, market and trade stalls, Kye’s FMX Jam motocross demonstrations, Eljay’s Freestyle Junkyard Show, Cars for Convoy, Touchdown Helicopters joy flights, Kids rides, Little Big Rigs, and static displays from Transport NSW, Red Cross Mobile Blood Bank, State Emergency Service, and St George Illawarra Dragons and of course the arrival of the truck and motorbike Convoy.

“We are looking forward to another huge family fun day this year to celebrate the amazing efforts people have gone to throughout the year fundraising for Convoy and families in the area doing it tough due to life threatening and life limiting conditions” said Convoy manager Mark Rigby.

“Unfortunately, last year we had to cancel the event in the interest of public safety due to 100km/h Gail force winds but we are hopeful the event will be back bigger than ever this year (with no wind) and hope to see huge crowds enjoying the day and the entertainment provided thanks to Bluescope.”

Truck and motorbike registrations, raffle sales and merchandise will be on sale very soon, both online and from a brand-new purpose-built Convoy shop which will be unveiled in the coming weeks at Croome Lane in Albion Park Rail.

“The support of Convoy continues to amaze me every year” said Convoy founder Marty Haynes. “There are so many groups these days fundraising throughout the year and the free family fun day is our way of saying thanks to these groups, and celebrating their successes, while also showing families in the area that Convoy supports, that we’ve got your back. Lock in into your diaries, because on Sunday 19th of November, We’ve got ourselves a Convoy!

For more information head to www.illawarraconvoy.com.au