Scarborough Beach Weekender: Sun, Sound, and Something Special

3 days ago
4 min read

What a weekend!

Sun, songs, and a crowd full of people just there to live in the moment — Scarborough Beach Weekender delivered something that felt bigger than just a music festival.

Ten years in the making… and delayed another two weeks thanks to Cyclone Narelle — but somehow, that only made it feel more meaningful. Because when it finally happened, it wasn’t just good… it was magic.

Everywhere you looked, people were smiling. Dancing. Letting go. And that’s what this festival did best — it brought people together.

This one sits right up there as a favourite.

These are my kind of tunes. Multicultural, multilingual, full of soul and evolution — especially the strong Māori influence woven throughout the lineup. There’s something powerful about music that carries culture with it, and across the weekend, that energy was everywhere.

Before even getting into the music, it’s worth saying — this event worked because of the people behind it.

The staff, volunteers, and crews made it feel safe, welcoming, and seamless. From the front gates to the background teams keeping everything moving, you could feel the effort.

So from myself and everyone lucky enough to be there — thank you to the Scarborough Beach Weekender teams.

You made this something people will remember.

There was also something personal in this one. Connecting with other media crews, crossing paths mid-run between sets, watching how everyone works — it reminded me how much I’ve missed this world. Not that long ago I hadn’t picked up a camera in years… and now here I am again, adapting, figuring it out as I go. And honestly? Loving It.

Saturday opened with that familiar festival rhythm — early sets, people filtering in, energy slowly building. Finn Alexander and the Forever Party set the tone perfectly, blending alternative rock with violin and layered harmonies that created a sense of anticipation as the amphitheatre filled.

Then Saritah brought warmth and grounding energy, her set feeling like sunshine in musical form. It was the kind of performance that lets people settle in, find their space, and start to connect with the day.

That calm didn’t last long once Sub-Tribe hit the stage. Suddenly the beach turned into a full dancefloor — horns, bass, movement everywhere. It was impossible to stand still.

By the time Corrella came on, the crowd was locked in. Their chemistry on stage and the energy they brought carried straight out into the audience — everyone moving, singing, feeding off it together.

And then L.A.B. closed out the night.

The amphitheatre was packed, the beach alive with people dancing, and the moment Corrella’s Rebekah joined them on stage just pushed it even further.

It felt like no one wanted the night to end.

Sunday brought a different kind of energy. Softer, more open, more community-driven.

Teischa eased everyone into the day with a smooth, soulful set that felt like a deep breath.

With it being an all-ages day, families settled in, picnics spread out across the sand, kids running around — it shifted from festival to something more shared, more grounded.

Thornbird followed with a laid-back, roots-driven set that suited the afternoon perfectly. Even with a relaxed crowd, her presence held strong — and with the ocean sitting right there, it was hard not to feel pulled toward the water.

Then South Summit brought it back up, taking the crowd on a full journey. From smooth, swaying moments to full singalong energy, they shifted gears effortlessly and had everyone right there with them.

One of the standout moments of the weekend came with Coterie.

Already a BTN favourite, and they absolutely delivered. High energy, powerful presence, and a reminder that WA is producing some seriously world-class talent.

They had every up and on their feet - the floor was full of people dancing.

And then it all came down to the final act. Xavier Rudd.

A one-man performance that somehow fills every inch of space. Raw, immersive, completely consuming. You look around and the entire amphitheatre is locked in — singing, swaying, completely absorbed.

It was one of those moments where you forget you’re working. Forget the camera. Forget everything except what’s happening right in front of you.

That’s when you know it’s something special.

This is what live music is about. Community. Connection. Moments you can’t recreate.

The team behind Scarborough Beach Weekender — alongside Palace J Entertainment — didn’t just run a festival, they created a space for people to feel something.

Scarborough Beach Weekender had every possible reason to fall apart — delays, weather, pressure.

Instead, it came together stronger.

And if this is what the future looks like — we’ll be back.

Over the next few days, individual artist reviews and full photo sets are coming - because there was so much to hear and see, there's a lot still to share.

Stay tuned to BTN!

P.S. If you’ve been following BTN, you’ll know things have been evolving — and apparently that includes my style! I had people stopping me all weekend to chat about the fits and take photos… and somehow didn’t capture any of it. Safe to say, these were my favourite “work” outfits yet.

Life’s too short to be boring - remember to have fun!

By Uncle Tatt — host of ‘Between the Notes’

Where music meets life, and for a moment, nothing else matters but the sound, the sun, and the people around you.