Community
30 August, 2024
Festival sets city humming
WITH perfect weather and enthusiastic crowds, the 62nd Cairns Festival opened with a bang and the fun and celebrations are not over yet with many events to come, including the iconic Carnival on Collins on Sunday.
After a cancelled grand parade last year, this year’s parade came prepared to pull out all the stops and it certainly did, attracting a crowd of 25,000 people lining the streets to watch 60-plus floats from community groups, businesses, sporting clubs and schools.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the parade had been blessed with great weather giving a perfect start to the festival.
“People were loving the atmosphere down on the Cairns Esplanade. The vibes were electric, and it was heartwarming to see families, friends and visitors all coming together to enjoy the festivities,” she said.
“The energy throughout the weekend truly captured the spirit of our vibrant community.”
The launch of the ‘(re)connection: Culture, Country and People’ exhibition marked the long-awaited opening of the Mulgrave Gallery, as festival goers got their first peek inside the newly- refurbished building.
The occasion was celebrated with a night of cultural performances, featuring Australian music great Christine Anu, Normey Jay and the Naygayiw Gigi Dancers.
“This was a very special night for Cairns Festival, with the Mulgrave Gallery serving as the centrepiece of the event’s creative venues across the city, all brought to life with live music, theatre performances, art exhibitions, installations, light shows and an incredible festive vibe,” Cr Eden said.
There’s still plenty more to come as Cairns Festival continues through to Father’s Day.
Program highlights include ‘Adrift’, a theatre performance by Counterpilot that explores themes of isolation and our relationship with nature currently running at the CPAC until September 1.
In dance, ‘Seed of Destiny’ at Bulmba-ja will run until tomorrow, showcasing contemporary dance and storytelling, delving into themes of identity and belonging.
Additionally, the Tanks Arts Centre will host the ‘Jebediah and Magic Dirt’ concert tonight.There will also be a free ‘World Beatz’ performance, celebrating global rhythms today.
The Court House series concludes tomorrow with ‘Hometown Harmonies’ at 6pm, showcasing local talent.
Carnival on Collins on September 1 takes place from 9am at the Tanks Arts Centre and along Collins Avenue.
For full program details go to www.cairnsfest.com.au
