THE region's most popular festival for little people will extend across two days and three venues for the sixth annual instalment of the Cairns Children's Festival.
Previously a one-day celebration for the region's youngest residents, the festival will expand this year to include events at the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre as well as the Botanic Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre precinct.
Mayor Bob Manning said the packed two-day program, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May, will allow youngsters to explore and experience theatre and the arts and even take to the stage themselves.
"The festival has become so popular we've had to expand to accommodate even more events and activities," Cr Manning said.
"It just goes to show that our residents are lovers of the arts and want to pass that enthusiasm on to the next generation."
The Children's Festival encourages a day of fun, learning and creativity for children aged 12 and under, and attracts up to 5,000 attendees from across the region.
Councillor Linda Cooper said the calibre of the festival continues to grow year-on-year, with activities covering visual arts, music, performing arts, film and technology.
"The Children's Festival is not just about great age-appropriate shows and activities, there's a focus on fostering our own young talent with local youth performing groups involved in many of the productions," Cr Cooper said.
"We are also really excited to again offer the 5 Minutes of Fame stage at the Tanks. All children will have the chance to take the mic backed by a technician, PA and lights. It's a rare opportunity for kids to get the full performance experience."
The CPAC line-up includes performances by the acclaimed children's circus company CIRCA and, in collaboration with The Young Company Theatre, an immersive all-ages guided tour of the new theatre.
At the Tanks and Botanic Gardens precinct, kids will also be encouraged to learn about recycling and environmental issues at The Whale's Tale and Re-imagined Recycled Reef; relax in the screenPLAY Zone catching the latest releases from Cairns' own little filmmakers; and check out the original and locally produced show Jina's Journey, a brand new production by Miriki Performing Arts sharing an important message to bridge cultures and generations told through dance, music and mischievous characters.
The majority of Cairns Children's Festival activities are free. For the full program visit https://www.tanksartscentre.com/children/festival
