Entertainment
23 June, 2025
Music event moves north
TOWNSVILLE has been dumped by The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) which is to move to Cairns from next year.
Festival organisers say to grow the festival requires modern infrastructure, increased accommodation and improved national and international access – all of which Cairns offers.
They say the relocation to Cairns “allows opportunity for new audiences and for a wonderfully integrated experience, where audiences can walk between venues, accommodation, restaurants and public spaces – enriching both the cultural immersion and visitor appeal”.
“The move north to Cairns signals the next chapter in the festival’s legacy – one that will embrace audience growth, increased access and expanded programs, while continuing to honour the spirit, warmth and support of the community that helped create it.”
AFCM chairwoman Mary Jo Capps said it was “not a departure from northern Queensland – it is an evolution within it”. “We are deeply grateful to Townsville for 35 extraordinary years of support and look forward to celebrating that legacy in full during our 2025 festival from July 25 to August 2,” she said.
“From 2026, we look forward to growing the festival’s impact even further from its new home in Cairns – a city with world-class tourism appeal, fit-for-purpose venues and a strong appetite for cultural connection.”
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the city was “incredibly proud to be part of a new chapter of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, when it moves to Cairns from 2026”.
