What’s Happening?
Discovery Coast Tourism & Commerce has appointed Chantelle Fava as the new Event Co-ordinator for the Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival.
Now based in Agnes Water, Fava brings more than two decades of international performance and large-scale event production experience. She is also the founder and creative director of Fresh Creative Entertainment.
Fava will join the existing DCTC team and help deliver the festival’s February 2027 event. Her appointment adds performance, choreography, creative direction and entertainment production knowledge to the organising team.
Why It Matters
The appointment marks a new phase for a festival with a loyal audience and strong links to the local community.
DCTC President Amber Rodgers said Fava’s broad entertainment background would support the festival team and its future program.
“Chantelle is an already accomplished performer, choreographer, creative director and entertainment producer, so her leadership of this festival team will bring new elements and maximise the experiences our audience already knows and loves,” Mrs Rodgers said.
Local Impact
The festival is held during the quieter February tourism period, bringing visitors to Agnes Water and the Town of 1770. Their spending supports accommodation providers, hospitality operators and tour businesses across the Discovery Coast.
DCTC works with local businesses, community groups and more than 100 volunteers to deliver the event. This support has helped form a loyal repeat audience while producing measurable returns for local tourism operators.
Fava’s Agnes Water base also gives the festival a co-ordinator who lives within the community hosting the event.
By the Numbers
Independent reporting showed the 2026 festival produced strong attendance, tourism and economic results.
- The three-day 2026 festival recorded 4,765 attendances.
- Direct and incremental visitor spending reached $912,863, representing a 19 per cent increase from 2025. Queensland received $1,014,035 in total gross economic stimulus.
- The event generated 4,741 visitor nights. About 89.8 per cent of primary-purpose visitors stayed overnight for three days on average.
Zoom In
Fava began her musical theatre career at 19, performing in Starlight Express in Germany. She later worked across numerous European live television productions and toured with Saturday Night Fever.
She was also part of the original production of We Will Rock You. During that production, she worked alongside writer and director Ben Elton and Queen guitarist Brian May.
Her collaborators also included choreographer Arlene Phillips and musical director Mike Dixon.
After returning to Australia, Fava founded Fresh Creative Entertainment. The company is celebrating its 16th year and is recognised nationally for feature shows, roving entertainment and bespoke performances.
Her event credits include the Australian Grand Prix, Australian Open, Illuminate Adelaide, Australian International Airshow and MotoGP. Most recently, she delivered an opening show for 12,500 people at Rod Laver Arena.
Fava said she was looking forward to building on the Agnes Blues Fest reputation while retaining its existing community character.
“I’m thrilled to be on board with Agnes Blues Fest,” Mrs Fava said. “This festival already has something rare, a genuinely warm crowd, a beautiful setting and a community that turns out for it. I’m looking forward to continuing to discover new artists, sharing our stages with the big names our audiences love, and creating moments people talk about long after the last set.”
Zoom Out
Delivered by DCTC, Agnes Blues Fest showcases blues, roots and rock artists across two stages over three days.
The 2027 event will be the festival’s 18th edition. Its continued operation reflects the work of the DCTC team, local organisations, businesses and volunteers.
The festival combines live music with regional tourism, bringing visitors into the Gladstone Region during a quieter period. Independent reporting also gives organisers clear evidence of its wider economic contribution.
What To Look For Next?
The next Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival will run from 19 to 21 February 2027. It will be held at the SES Grounds in Seventeen Seventy.
Fava will work with the existing DCTC team as preparations continue. Further artist announcements and ticket details will follow.
