With the Solento Surf Festival kicking off today, the crew threw a little (but actually pretty massive) warm-up party last night!

The Solento team officially touched down on the Gold Coast with a VIP pre-party that set the tone for what’s shaping up to be an epic week. Held ahead of the festival launch, the night pulled in some surf royalty — Rob Machado, Mick Fanning, and, of course, the legendary Taylor Steele were all in the mix along with Ellidy Pullin and plenty of Goldy pals.

With the Mondrian Hotel playing host, we sipped Balter beers, enjoyed a few too many Solento Tequilas (in the best way), and caught up with creatives, surfers and filmmakers ahead of a stacked program.

Over the next week, the festival will roll through a series of standout events, including a full Burleigh Heads takeover today with surf contests, a beach bar, live music and local eats. On June 9th, Taylor Steele hosts a filmmaking masterclass at HOTA, followed by the Solento Art Exhibit opening on June 10th — complete with live music and visual art. Things wrap with a three-day film festival at the Mondrian from 12–14 June, featuring screenings, panels, and surf cinema premieres.

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