Entertainment
11 October, 2024
Shining bright
The people of Gimuy (Cairns) were left wanting more after the second iteration of Shine on Gimuy attracted 45,000 people to its assortment of events showcasing the unity of First Nations communities, their entertainment and culture.
The exciting program of Shine on Gimuy showcasing the best of Far North Queensland’s First Nation’s communities was a roaring success in its second year, adding new artists, more entertainment and more education for visitors and locals to experience last weekend.
Events went on from October 3-6, but the Artstory Lightwalk by the Eastern Events Lawn will remain on until Sunday.
“Our audience averaged at 45,000 people for the 10 days. This represents an increase up from 33,000 in 2023,” said the festival’s cultural producer Lydia Miller.
“People were saying that they tripled their profits at the Blak Markets, we know that our collaboration with Queensland Music Festivals in Dream Aloud was very well attended, so was our Calling Country and Music Makers,” said the festival’s cultural producer Lydia Miller.
“I think there’s a learning occurring in our society, where people go, “we’re here together, so how do we develop a greater understanding and appreciation of each other?”, and it’s great that we can offer this to our communities as well as to incoming visitors.”
One of the most important events of the festival this year was the debut of Dream Aloud at Munro Martin Parklands promoting emerging Indigenous artists like Baker Boy, King Stingray and Bumpy.
“Dream Aloud was extremely exciting, Munro Martin is a great venue, we also had markets there and it was great to have the volume all the way up,” Ms Miller said.
“I think Dream Aloud within that space was incredibly successful. People came and enjoyed themselves, and stayed for three, four, five hours which is terrific.”
Ms Miller thanked the community, sponsors, and cultural guides for making the event possible.
