Great Barrier Reef Festival Unveils Exciting Entertainment Lineup

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 3 to 6 August, the festival promises a weekend filled with music, performances, and reef immersion for attendees of all ages.

The Friday night festivities will commence at 6 pm with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony followed by 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 this Festival.

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, starting from $50 per person.

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" on the movie screen starting from 6:00pm, where pop-up performers will be ready to surprise and delight.

Saturday promises a day of excitement and festivities with the Saturday Street Fun event starting from 10:00 am with the Fraser Ford Car, Truck & Bike Show. Main Street entertainment includes a showcase of Young Whitsundays Got Talent, the Miss Pinup Comp, mesmerising roaming performers, and exhilarating carnival rides for all ages.

Music enthusiasts can head to the Airlie Beach Hotel at 2:00 pm to enjoy the sounds of Classic Rock legends. Magnums gets in the festival spirit with an afternoon of games for the big kids and 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 Saturday night with a stellar lineup of live music headlined by popular 7-piece reggae band Sun Salute. Also playing the main stage are blues funk Mackay 3-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 & 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 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the foreshore stage, the perfect end to a jam-packed weekend of excitement.

Great Barrier Reef Festival Chair, Margie Murphy is excited for another year of outstanding and diverse entertainment.

“There is so much happening at this year’s Festival! So much entertainment is free, and we would love to see everyone come out and be a part of this amazing community event” Ms Murphy said.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton said the Great Barrier Reef Festival offered something for everyone over the four days.

“Each day is packed with events and activities for attendees of all ages, from celebrating the reef to community lead events and a stellar entertainment lineup; The Whitsundays looks forward to the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival each year and this year is set to be huge,” Mr Hamilton said.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable celebration of music, arts, community, and the reef at the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival. Mark your calendars and join us from 3 to 6 August for an incredible experience that showcases the vibrant spirit of our region.

For more information visit www.greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au