The inaugural Open Arms Festival arrives on November 29, bringing the cream of the Australian music to the sunny mid-north NSW coast town of Coffs Harbour.

For too long Coffs Harbour has been neglected on the Australian festival landscape. But no more, held on the eve of summer, Aussie-favourites Grinspoon, Gyroscope, Blue King Brown, Mammal, TZU, Young & Restless, Dead Letter Circus and Drapht will headline the massive inaugural Open Arms Festival – with more acts tba. The Enchanted Woods Dance Stage will feature Mind Electric, Whitt (from Spiderbait) special DJ set, Thad Lester (Disciple 10) and manty more.

Open Arms Festival 2008 is a music, arts, lifestyle and youth culture event. Whatever you’re into – Rock, Hip Hop, Metal, Indie, Roots, Street Performances – Open Arms has it. Bringing together all cultural aspects of Coffs Harbour and its surrounding communities the festival aims to encompass the relationship between the Australian youth of today and the traditional beliefs of the past.

The Open Arms Festival thanks the Gumbayngirr people, the traditional land owners of the Coffs Harbour region and will welcome them with a ceremony that will be performed during the Festival. Held at the Coffs Harbour Showgrounds, the all ages event will capture the diverse cultural community that makes Coffs Harbour distinct.

Open Arms Festival 2008 is a Waste Wise Event and focuses heavily upon being as environmentally friendly as possible. From printing to waste management, green electricity to toilet paper the Open Arms Festival will maintain the highest standard in order to achieve an environmentally friendly festival.