Images of the gorgeous Gold Coast were beamed around the world today as a one-off concert on the Gold Coast Airport runway was broadcast and streamed live – reminding visitors of what awaits them when the Queensland border is open and travel restrictions ease.

The runway was shut down to allow popular Aussie band Sheppard to perform live from 4.30pm until 5pm. The show was watched and listened to by an estimated audience of 130,000 after 1029 Hot Tomato broadcast the event and it was streamed live via Facebook on the Gold Coast Airport and radio station’s social media channels.

The concert was watched and listened to by people across Australia, New Zealand and as far as England.

Gold Coast Airport COO Marion Charlton said the successful event provided a rare opportunity to both lift the spirits of those impacted by COVID-19 and promote the Gold Coast as a favourite destination to the world.

“This event was fantastic, and I would like to thank the operational team and our partners at 1029 Hot Tomato and Sheppard for their efforts in making it happen,” she said.

“Our passenger numbers and flights are significantly reduced right now, so it was a rare chance to allow the runway to be used for a performance like this.

“There are not many airports around the world that are located in such an incredible spot, so close to the beach and the hinterland. So, we knew the views of the concert would be fantastic and help promote the Gold Coast to visitors.

“Before COVID-19, we were welcoming about 20,000 visitors a day through our terminal and we look forward to having everyone back as soon as the Queensland border is open and travel restrictions have eased.”

1029 Hot Tomato’s drive time announcers Moyra Major and Simon Baggs were both airside for the performance.

“What an amazing experience! Just hearing live music for the first time in months was brilliant, but it, coming from the middle of the Gold Coast Airport runway, was something I’m sure we will never forget,” Ms Major said.  

“Sheppard was absolutely incredible, and seeing a band perform on the Gold Coast Airport runway is an experience we may never see again! There was a massive team behind this, a huge thank you to the team at Dreamweavers and Gold Coast Heli Tours – they have done such an amazing job! These companies have come on board, donating their time and services to showcase our beautiful city to the world,” Mr Baggs said.

Photos: Courtesy Luke Marsden