Entertainment
8 April, 2021
Weekend Getaway: Port Douglas Carnivale makes a fiery return
Get ready to party, Port Douglas’s Carnivale is coming back. After being cancelled in 2020, the time is right for the North’s best party to return. A spectacle of colour, glamour, fine food and world class entertainment is set to be unleashed next month in Port Douglas.
The seven-day festival will light up Port Douglas from May 14 – 21, offering locals and visitors a smorgasbord of fun and entertainment.
This year’s Port Douglas Carnivale Street Parade’s theme will be a “Tropic & Exotic” celebration of life in the vibrant and cosmopolitan seaside community.
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Michael Kerr said it was great news the Street Parade would once again officially kick off Carnivale festivities on Friday, May 21.
Fun-loving, blinged-up, all-star singing and dancing locals are invited to be a part of this amazing spectacular event showcasing their town’s environment and community pride.
Diversity is encouraged, along with participation by schools, bands, businesses and community organisations and anyone who wants to dress up and dance in the streets.
“This year’s Tropic & Exotic theme provides plenty of scope for creative design and costumes,” Cr Kerr added.
“We encourage participants to let their imaginations go wild – let’s create an entertaining spectacle that celebrates life in the Douglas Shire.”
Celebrations commence at 6:30 that evening with the parade following an extended route down Wharf Street with extra viewing areas created to allow for social distancing for spectators. A fireworks display will follow at 8pm.
Adding to the atmosphere on the night will be the Wonderland Spiegeltent, the Carnivale Fun Fair and food stalls, and Port Douglas restaurants and bars.
Australian rock icons Spinderbait, best known for their hard rock version of Black Betty, is the headline live act this year.
“We are excited to have Spiderbait as the Carnivale headline act. Their live shows always have that extra something and certainly draw the crowds,” Mayor Kerr said.
Spiderbait will be performing on the Saturday night in Rex Smeal Park.
Port Douglas Carnivale celebrations this year will include, The longest Lunch, Plantation Picnic in the Park, the Wonderland Spiegeltent and a Family Beach Day planned for Saturday 22 on Fiour Mile Beach.
Spiegeltent shows and other events will open on May 14, tickets for all events are now on sale. Details are available from www.carnivale.com.au
