If I could give any advice for people planning a trip to Cairns in Far North Queensland, it would be visit during Cairns Festival time.  Along with everything else that brings visitors to the region, the city is abuzz with music, dance and light shows, as well as interactive performances designed for adults and children to enjoy, and the best part is that a lot of the entertainment is free for all to enjoy along the vibrant esplanade precinct.

We happened upon the festival by chance as we rolled into town at the start of the festivities, but one look at the scheduled events and we were hooked. We studied the guide and with precision planned timing, ventured into the city for a full afternoon and evening of events. It turned out to be so good; we needed more than one night to experience it all.  Many of the programmed free events along the esplanade ran a few times each evening but some you need to lock in your diaries to be sure not to miss.

There were a number of highlights we saw from this year’s festival with the number 1 show for me being Gulgi-barra, a stunningly beautiful dance performance by Miriki Performing Arts which shared stories of this clan of the Yidindji tribe of Far North Queensland, enhanced with incredible costuming, music, song and narration and the serene colours of the tropical evening sky and palm trees as a backdrop.

The entire performance resonated through body and soul and brought a wonderful uplifting and heartfelt joy that leaves you drifting out with a smile on your face and hope in your heart.

Reef Lights was another highlight with visually stunning digital artworks and local indigenous stories told, followed by a laser light and water fountain show set to a pumping music soundtrack, which had the crowds in awe as they clapped along with sheer enjoyment.

Another must see was City Lights, which transformed the façade of the Cairns City Library into a giant canvas with the colourful projected artworks of local artist Roland Nancarrow.

In other shows, a giant 4 metre tall illuminated puppet Leor, was brought to life by String Symphony with a bit of audience participation, and was a big hit with children as were the roaming flamingos by Dead Puppet Society. I have to admit to having a soft spot for them too, I mean who doesn’t love a neon lit, disco dancing flamingo?

The festival brought all of this plus live music on the main stage in front of the Reef Eye ferris wheel. We loved the sounds and energy of Lady Valiant, Phat Love, Madam Manana and Electrik Lemonade.

When you start feeling peckish or thirsty there are a multitude of bars, cafes and restaurants along the foreshore as well as the food court at the night markets, where you can refuel and revive. For something special check out the great views over the whole scene from the Oak and Vine restaurant and rooftop bar at the Oaks Hotel on the esplanade.

We were spoilt for choice with all this wonderful, free, arts and entertainment and this was just the opening weekend! There are plenty more shows to see with art, music and cabaret still to come. Don’t miss the Cairns Festival while it’s on until Sunday the 3^rd of September this year, or consider a trip to the tropical far north of Queensland next year. Keep your eyes on Cairns Fest social pages for all the details.

Enjoy

Glenys