Entertainment
17 August, 2025
Dream Aloud in finals
CAIRNS is once again making international headlines as the Dream Aloud Festival is named a finalist in the prestigious 2025 Music Cities Awards, just months before the event returns to Munro Martin Parklands.
Presented by Queensland Music Festival (QMF) as part of Queensland Music Trails, Dream Aloud is the only all-First Nations music festival in the state and is being recognised globally for its role in celebrating Indigenous culture, storytelling and music tourism. Held for the first time in 2024, the festival is now up for best music tourism initiative at the Music Cities Awards, which this year attracted a record 365 submissions from 51 countries.
Mayor Amy Eden welcomed the international recognition and praised the impact Dream Aloud has had on the local community.
“We’re thankful to QMF for offering such a significant cultural event and choosing our region to share in music and the magic of storytelling,” Cr Eden said. “It’s no surprise to me that they have been recognised on the global stage for their contribution to music tourism.”
Dream Aloud on October 18 will feature another all-First Nations line-up, including Budjerah, Kaiit and South Summit.
