THE CRUISE Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival is thrilled to announce an incredible entertainment lineup for this year’s highly anticipated event.
Taking place from August 3 to 6, the festival promises a weekend filled with music, performances, and reef immersion for attendees of all ages.
The Friday night festivities will start at 6 pm with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by a traditional dance and whale story performance by Yooribaya Cultural Experiences, as the enchanting ‘Immerse’ art installation, in Fairy Tree Park, is illuminated for the first time.
The Main Stage entertainment will kick off at 6.30 pm with an electrifying showcase of the region’s top youth bands and performers, with the evening hosted by HitFM’s Jacob, ensuring a lively atmosphere.
All eyes will be on the sky at 8pm when attendees will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display over the Coral Sea.
Back on the Main Stage, get ready for a captivating performance by 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.
Entertainment will be spread along the foreshore, on Friday night, with night markets and the Whitsunday Food Service ‘Eat Street’ providing a delightful culinary experience. The kids can enjoy a screening of ‘Finding Nemo’ at 6pm, with pop-up performers ready to surprise and delight.
Saturday promises a day of excitement and festivities, with the Saturday Street Fun event starting from 10am with the Fraser Ford Car, Truck and Bike Show.
Main Street entertainment includes a showcase of Young Whitsundays Got Talent, the Miss Pinup Competition, mesmerising roaming performers, and exhilarating carnival rides for all ages.
Music enthusiasts can head to the Airlie Beach Hotel, at 2pm, to enjoy the sounds of Classic Rock legends, while Magnums gets in the festival spirit with an afternoon of games for the big kids.
Joining in the Street Parade fun with some big hair and big heels will be Drag Queens Shushu Funtanna and Scarlett Fever.
After the parade, 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.
Beats on the Beach will be where the party’s at, on Saturday night, with a stellar lineup of live music headlined by popular seven-piece reggae band Sun Salute.
Also playing the main stage are blues funk Mackay three-piece The Wild Sky, local alt-rockers Flying Double Front Kick, and multi-instrument songstress Mish N Possible. The VIP bar area will be available on Saturday night, providing an exclusive experience for guests. Magnums will have Aussie rock double-header The Chats and Cosmic Psychos, in the nightclub.
The entertainment extravaganza will continue, 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 entertainment.
