A TRAVELLING circus, a larger-than-life turtle, and pedestrian dancers and live percussionists are some of the creative floats that have submitted their entry in to the 2019 Cains Festival Grand Parade.
Taking place on Saturday 24 August, the Grand Parade is one of the biggest events on the Cairns calendar, entertaining crowds of over 25,000 each year with a visual feast of colour, light and movement.
The 2019 Parade will see the return of Cycas Circus with aerial performers, stilt walkers, jugglers and more entertaining spectators along the Cairns Esplanade.
Reefbeat will send an environmental message with their inclusion of a giant turtle sculpture, and Festival Cubano will flaunt their Cuban and Latin culture via a procession of musicians and percussions performing live alongside a host of pedestrian dancers.
"The Cairns Festival Grand Parade is one of our region's biggest annual events and it's really exciting for families to be a part of," Mayor Bob Manning said.
"Every year, it provides an opportunity for residents to show off their creative side and entertain their community in a fun environment."
Entries are free and judges will be looking out for a range of criteria including colour, creativity, vibrancy, uniqueness, enthusiasm, use of natural or re-cycled materials, low or zero emissions transport and creating a party atmosphere.
Parade goers will also be treated to roving performers, great live music and a fireworks display.
Parade categories and prizes:
- First prize - $3000
- Second prize - $2000
- Third prize - $1000
- Eco-float - $1000
- Three encouragement awards - $500 each
Cairns Festival 2019 will run from Friday 23 August to Sunday 1 September, with events at a range of locations across the Cairns region.
Family favourites such as Sunday on the 'Nard, Suburban Satellites and Carnival on Collins will return, plus a full program of live music, dance, circus, theatre, projections, film, comedy and more.
Visit www.cairnsfestival.com.au to register for the Grand Parade and to explore the events that have already been locked in for 2019.
The full Cairns Festival 2019 program will be released on Monday 15 July.
