General News
15 September, 2025
Festival lifts town’s spirits
THE Babinda Harvest Festival has once again brought colour, music and community pride to the town, with organisers describing the 2025 event as one of the smoothest in recent years.
Festival president Tricia Wiles said the annual celebration, which first began in 1961 thanks to resident Angle Mustafa, has become a cornerstone of the Babinda calendar.
“They were hoping to get at least 10 years out of it and thought they would be doing pretty well,” she said.
“Now, more than 60 years later, it’s still going strong. It’s only ever been cancelled a handful of times, during COVID, a cyclone and once when Cobb and Co visited town.”
Highlights of this year’s festival included the grand parade, vintage machinery displays, live music, a tractor pull, a cane burn, fireworks and even a surprise marriage proposal.
“The parade is always a cracking start, everybody gets involved and it’s super cute,” Ms Wiles said.
“From what I’ve heard, all the vendors were happy, the music lineup was excellent and the feedback has been nothing but positive.”
Ms Wiles said the festival not only celebrated the district’s farming heritage but also provides a significant economic and tourism boost.
“It puts the town on the map for a short period of time. It brings people together and gives farmers a chance to sit back, be proud of what they’ve done and take a break knowing the town is supporting them,” she said.
The event is made possible by strong backing from local businesses and a dedicated team of 15-20 committee members and volunteers.
“Without volunteers and sponsorship, it wouldn’t happen,” Ms Wiles said.
“As president, I’ve worn a few hats: president, graphic design, advertising, marketing, compliance and admin. It’s been pretty much round the clock for the past four months. But the committee has been excellent, and the town really gets behind it.”
The festival committee has already set a date for next year, with the 2026 Babinda Harvest Festival locked in for September 12 and the theme to be announced in coming months.
