THE FRIDAY night festivities for the highly anticipated Great Barrier Reef Festival start at 6pm, on August 4, with a Welcome to Country followed by traditional dance and whale story performance by Yooribaya Cultural Experiences.
The Main Stage entertainment will kick off at 6.30pm with an electrifying showcase of the region’s top youth bands and performers, hosted by HitFM’s Jacob.
Entertainment will be spread along the foreshore, on Friday night, with the Whitsunday Food Service Eat Street and night markets, where pop-up performers will be ready to surprise and delight.
Big and little kids can enjoy a screening of ‘Finding Nemo’ starting at 6pm, and all eyes will be on the sky at 8pm for the spectacular fireworks display.
Back on the Main Stage, get ready for rock ‘n’ roll young gun Reece Mastin, followed by dynamic duo Salt and Steel.
For those wanting stage side seats and front row views to the fireworks, a VIP bar area will be available, offering a cocktail on arrival and nibbles.
Saturday promises a day of excitement, starting from 10am with ‘Saturday Street Fun’ and Fraser Ford car, truck, and bike show.
Main Street entertainment includes a showcase of Young Whitsundays Got Talent, the Miss Pinup Competition, roaming performers, and more.
Head to the Airlie Beach Hotel at 2pm to enjoy the sounds of classic rock legends.
Or, join Magnums as they get into the festival spirit with an afternoon of games for the big kids.
Joining in the street parade, with big hair and big heels, are Drag Queens Shushu Funtanna and Scarlett Fever.
The day will melt into night with a special performance, ‘Call from the Deep’, at 6pm, from within the immerse installation, featuring solo classical musicians and whale song, guided by renowned contemporary composer Corrina Bonshek.
The entertainment extravaganza continues on Sunday, when the Fish D’Vine ‘Bait to Plate’ lunch takes guests on an interactive culinary journey with owner and chef, Kevin Collins.
The afternoon winds down with ‘Chill in the Park’, acoustic vibes from 2pm to 6pm, on the foreshore stage – the perfect end to a jam-packed weekend of excitement.
