In ancient times, a
festival was an event celebrated by the community and centrered around some characteristic of the community, whether it be religious or cultural, and usually only attended by the community. Today, festivals are events widely publicised and are attended by locals, visitors and tourists.
Upcoming festivals on
The Fraser Coast are as follows.
Hervey Bay Seafood Festival – 12th August 2018
This festival, now widely known and attended, celebrates the abundance and variety of wild caught seafood in the pristine waters of the Fraser Coast. There will be many activities and exhibits, market stalls, live music and plenty of food to eat as you meander around the seafood stands. You may like to learn the science of seafood and cooking sustainable seafood at the Fishermans Kitchen with Celebrity Chef,
Javier Codina (Moda Restaurant) and Professor Daryl McPhee, or you may choose to escape to the festival's signature 'Tastes of the Bay Long Lunch' with Chef
Andrew Mirosch. Whatever your choice, Hervey Bay is the place for the best seafood in South East Queensland.
Photo courtesy of Hervey Bay Seafood Festival
Take yourself down to Fishermans Park on the corner of Boat Harbour Drive and Charlton Esplanade, Urangan for an exceptional event. This is a non-smoking event with bar facilities. Entry is $5.00 per person. For more information email emlewthwaite@bigpond.com or contact 0402 636 485.
Hervey Bay Ocean Festival – 10 to 19 August 2018.
Fraser Coast Chronicle Whale Parade and Concert – 18th August 2018
These events celebrate the humpback whales' annual migration back to the Antarctic and to recognise the importance of the ocean to Hervey Bay while promoting the conservation of the marine environment and animals in the region. These whales spend up to ten days on the Fraser Coast resting and socialising, making it an excellent time for viewing these majestic marine creatures. The Ocean Festival kicks off on 10th August with a calendar of colourful events.
On Saturday 18th August, the Hervey Bay esplanade is to be illuminated with lights, music, costumes and festivities for the
Enchantment Under the Sea Party. There will be a parade, live entertainment with Australia's leading and local artists, carnival rides, market stalls, food stalls and a free concert creating the perfect event for the whole family. The parade starts at 6.00pm and the best point for viewing it is between Frank Street and Seafront Oval.
Photo Courtesy of Whale Parade & Concert Festival
On the Sunday 19th August, you may like to grab your kayak, stand-up paddle board or homemade raft for the
Paddle Out for Whales event. Attendees will paddle out into the ocean for a minute's silence to recognise the importance of the ocean and the whales of the world. Enjoy the environmental speakers and races throughout the day. This is a free event and will leave from Ernie Organ Park, Charlton Esplanade, Torquay. Telephone 07 4191 2600 for more information or email events@fcte.com.au
Fraser Coast Expo – 17 to 19 August @ The Maryborough Showgrounds
This Expo incorporates the Wide Bay & Fraser Coast Home Show and Caravan, Camping, 4x4 & Fishing Expo and has become the region's largest and most successful event of its kind. Over 200 local and regional businesses will be showcasing their products and services to the thousands of visitors that will be coming through the gates. Featuring this year will be everything from the home to outdoor living including solar, tanks, pools, spas, kitchens, blinds, bedding, air-conditioning and builders. Finance for the purchase of caravans, home renovations, camper trailers, 4 x 4s and accessories can be discussed and acquired at the event.
Photo courtesy of Fraser Coast Expo Website
Entry to the event will cost $12.00 for Adults and $10 for Senior Card Holders, while children under 16 years and accompanied by an adult will be free. The gates open at 8.30am each day and close at 4.00pm. No dogs or pets are allowed into the grounds. You can secure free return passes on the day; just ask at the gate when you are going out.
Camping is available at the Showgrounds and this can be booked
online or by ringing 07 3118 9555 during business hours Monday to Thursday (9.00 to 4.00) or Friday (9.00 to 12 Noon). Join the newsletter on the website and you could have a chance of winning a family pass. You will definitely need more than one day to see all there is on offer at this amazing event.
Rockin' Maryborough Vintage Festival – 31st August to 1st September 2018
Photo courtesy of Rockin' Maryborough Vintage Festival
This is an annual 'all-weekend-long' festival starting with Miss Rockin' Maryborough Pinup Pageant on the Friday night and continuing throughout the weekend with the Rockabilly Dance Party of dancing in the streets, live music, with displays of vintage cars, motorbikes, caravans and pushbikes. The event will also feature Snow N Shine, Pinup Styling Workshops, Vintage Markets, Dance Lessons and a Pooch Parade. The fun and excitement occurs in Bazaar, Richmond and Wharf Streets. This is a great opportunity to get dressed up in your 60's wear and rock on down to Portside Precinct. There is plenty of parking close to these streets for those who wish to drive to the event.
More information can be sought by emailing rockinmaryborough@outlook.com or contact by mobile 0497 493 841.
Maryborough Heritage CraftFest is on again this year from 1st to 3rd November at the Maryborough City Hall.
The
City Hall reached its 110th anniversary this year. It was built in 1908 at 388 Kent Street to replace a smaller timber building constructed in a different site. Designed by Queensland Architectural partnership, Hall and Dods, the building consists of tower-fly, tower clock and has been the chosen venue for many dance competitions, military balls, eisteddfods, electoral voting, music events, exhibitions and much more. It is a perfect choice of venue for the Heritage CraftFest because of its size and its central position in Maryborough.
Photo courtesy of Maryborough Heritage Craftfest, Facebook
The Fest will open from 9.00am to 3.00pm each day with profits from the door takings going to purchase much needed equipment for the Maryborough Hospital and the Arts Department, Maryborough Special School. Cost of entry if $3.00 per person. Children under 12 years of age and accompanied by an adult is free.
The Fest showcases amazing talent from handcrafters in the local region including crochet, resin jewellery, glass art, sculpture, pottery, teddy bears, decorative art and more. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase early Christmas gifts before the festive season rush. The Fraser Coast Lacemakers and the Hervey Bay Woodworkers will be giving demonstrations during the weekend.
A challenge to "Make a Placemat" will be held in conjunction with the CraftFest. All entries will become the property of the Maryborough Artisans Inc. and will be donated to Care Packs for the Troops. Entry forms can be obtained by email craftfest@live.com.au or downloading from Facebook.
