A popular Port Douglas Carnivale crowd-pleaser has been locked in for another three years as Douglas Shire Council kicks off preparations to mark the event’s 25th Anniversary.
Council endorsed a draft program for Carnivale 2019 that will focus on the core foundation events – the street parade, family beach day and Tropic Rock concert – in a bid to celebrate the essence of Port Douglas.
Council will also enter into an agreement with Wonderland Entertainment and Leisure Pty Ltd to provide the Wonderland Spiegeltent until 2021.
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu said “Silver and Sunshine” was the proposed 2019 festival theme to celebrate the significant 25-year milestone.
“Carnivale 2019 will be dynamic and attractive festival designed to appeal to the regional FNQ market through a fantastic mix of free and ticketed events,” she said.
“Council expects businesses and community groups to get involved in this momentous occasion to further beef up the program and cement it as an irresistible drawcard for locals and visitors.”
“Next year’s event will be a fantastic cause for celebration and also timely catalyst to refresh the event moving forward.”
Some proposed fresh events include a Jazz & Shiraz Twilight Cruise, Sunday kids concert, Latin pool party and Saturday surfside sesssion.
Council’s move to lock in the Wonderland Spiegeltent until atleast 2021 is also a huge boost for the event’s future.
The salacious cabaret and breathtaking circus show, which attracted more than 4000 people this year, injects about $800,000 annually into the local economy.
Mayor Leu said the high quality attraction had become synonymous with Carnivale.
“The hilarious show adds another dimension to the festivities and encourages visitors to spend more time in Douglas Shire,” she said.
“This is a welcome boost for our overnight accommodation and small businesses who are often looking to kick-start influx of tourists.
“The Spiegeltent adds value to the Carnivale activities by including a float in the street parade, entertainment for the Longest Lunch and makes their facility available for community use.”
The Wonderland Spiegeltent has been an annual fixture at Carnivale since 2016.
Organisers will be encouraged to promote community workshops with local performing arts and gymnastics groups.
ENDS
Tom Volling Media and Communications Officer
Communications@douglas.qld.gov.au
4099 9443 or 0455071828
