BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP EVER AS V8 SUPERCARS THUNDER INTO TOWNSVILLE
 
Birds of Tokyo and The Living End return to Australia for the Townsville event
A third major act to be announced on May 11 for the return of the Friday night concert
Two nights of free concerts with world class acts each night; all three days from only $99
Five on-track categories including the world’s best touring car Championship in V8 Supercars
Australian debut of the internationally acclaimed Formula 4 Championship
Expanded Disney zone featuring ice skating, giant inflatables and interactive zones
Kids under 12 free all days with a paying adult
Return of the massively popular Super Top and the Ladies Lounge
North Queensland’s premium sporting and entertainment event just got bigger with the announcement of the largest high octane entertainment line-up in the history of the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400.

V8 Supercars has brought Rock and Race back to North Queensland with Friday and Saturday night concerts for the first time since 2011, flying Birds of Tokyo and The Living End to Townsville from their overseas bases for the event.

A third major international act with a current major hit will also return to Australia for the Friday night concert. The act will be announced on May 11. 

It is the largest entertainment line-up in the seven-year history of the event, complemented by five on-track categories including V8 Supercars, the debut of the internationally acclaimed Formula 4 Championship, expanded Disney Zone and return of the gigantic Super Top to Reid Park.

In making these announcements in Townsville today, V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said the event’s all-encompassing entertainment package continues to deliver the largest and most significant event in North Queensland.

“We are delighted to reveal that Rock and Race is back in Townsville with the best entertainment in the seven-year history of the event,” Mr Warburton said.

“Australian Superstars Birds of Tokyo and legendary rock band The Living End take to the stage on Saturday and a third major act currently in the worldwide charts will play the Friday concert.

“Combined with the best racing on the planet and the at-track entertainment this makes the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 the best value entertainment in Australia.

“Before April 30, you can buy a general admission Rock and Race pass for $99 to take in all three days of on track racing and all the off track rock action on Friday and Saturday night.” 

 
Australian Superstars, Birds of Tokyo will play under the Super Top at the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400

Mr Warburton said increasing the entertainment offering highlighted how important the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 is for the City and North Queensland.

“What V8 Supercars brings to Townsville is so much more than a motor race,” Mr Warburton said.

“Whilst economic conditions are tough in Townsville at present, the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 pumps some $20 million of economic stimulus into the community and creates around 90,000 visitor nights.

“In addition, it shines the global spotlight on Townsville in 105 countries and to some 206 million viewers. It is the biggest regional event in Queensland and as of today the hottest ticket in town just got hotter.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones welcomed the event back to Townsville in 2015.

“The Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 is the first of three motorsport events for the state in 2015, bolstering Queensland’s reputation as a premier event destination,” Minister Jones said.

“A record line-up of internationally-renowned Australian artists provides an added incentive for motorsport fans across the country to secure their spot at the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises the importance of major events in driving tourism and a strong tourism industry means jobs for Queenslanders.”

The on-track spectacular has also been boosted with arguably the best line-up of racing action the event has seen with an additional support category making its Australian debut, along with more off-track entertainment for fans.

The international Formula 4 Championship makes its’ Australian debut in Townsville. This category is where the next Jamie Whincup or Daniel Ricciardo begin their journey towards the elite level of motorsport.

It joins Australia’s elite categories in V8 Supercars, the V8 Supercars Dunlop Series, where many of our current stars began their careers, the spectacular Porsche Carrera Cup and the exotic Australian GTs.

A new Disney Zone for kids is now fully equipped with an ice rink, massive inflatables, interactive zones, a three wheeler race track and movie screen. All children under 12 receive free entry with a paying adult.

ShowTime FMX are back again to thrill the crowds, as is the Coopers Bar first introduced last year and the Auto Show featuring some of the most unique and rare machines. The massively popular Ladies Lounge is being expanded and is also back under the amazing Super Top.

The Castrol EDGE Townsville 400, July 10-12, is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events throughout the State.

Grandstand seats are still available for three days of V8 Supercars action at the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400, July 10 – 12. Tickets available at www.ticketek.com.au or for more information visit www.v8supercars.com.au.

ABOUT BIRDS OF TOKYO

Birds of Tokyo and their insistent, bittersweet, rock sounds have resonated deeply with Australian critics and fans. Following two acclaimed albums, the indie band’s self-titled third studio release spent over eight months in the Australian Top 20 and was certified double platinum. It also picked up an ARIA Award for ‘Best Rock Album’ in 2010.

Early in 2011 the band’s anthemic breakthrough hit ‘Plans’ ranked #4 in Triple J’s Hottest 100 while the follow up single, ‘Wild At Heart’, reached #1 on the country’s National Airplay Chart and won the band an APRA Award. Birds of Tokyo also received the publicly voted Rolling Stone ‘Readers Choice’ Award and ARIA Award for ‘Most Popular Australian Artist’.

Spearheaded by the albums’ first two singles ‘This Fire’ and ‘Lanterns’, the bands’ fourth studio album ‘March Fires’ debuted #1 on the National ARIA Album Chart – the band’s first ever #1 record. At the time of release, it also became the highest selling first week sales of any album of 2013. The album was certified gold within four weeks of release, with ‘Lanterns’ reaching #2 on the National Australian Airplay Chart and certified triple platinum.

ABOUT THE LIVING END

Living End They have released six studio albums and two reached the No. 1 spot on the ARIA Albums Chart: self-titled album (12 October 1998) and State of Emergency (4 February 2006). They have also gained chart success in the United States and United Kingdom.

At ARIA Music Awards ceremonies they have been nominated 27 times and have won five awards: Highest Selling Single for "Second Solution / Prisoner of Society" (1998), Breakthrough Artist – Album and Best Group for The Living End (1999), Best Rock Album for White Noise (2008), and the same category for The Ending Is Just the Beginning Repeating (2011).

One of the most experienced rock bands in the country, The Living End were their usual tight, dynamic and enthusiastic selves, and executed all those easily recognisable anthems as well as newer tracks off The Ending Is Just The Beginning Repeating in their reliably energetic and solid manner. – Beat Magazine (Pyramid Rock Festival, December 2011).

The Living End have matured without straying too far from their original ideals, and light night’s gig made it obvious why they’re one of Australia’s most loved bands. – BMA Magazine (ANU Bar, September 2011)

The Living End are an amazingly talented band and should be the standard that every band/musician strives to become, displaying a huge amount of raw talent which shows in every song they perform. – Colossal (Metro City Perth, September 2011)

The show was spectacular and The Living End, fourteen years into their career, are showing no signs of slowing down – Tone Deaf (The Palace, September 2011)