Entertainment
9 October, 2026
Savannah’s grand touch
PLENTY of whiskey and rye will be flowing at Savannah in the Round this weekend, with festival organisers also hoping to claim the title for the country’s biggest ‘American Pie’ singalong when Don McLean takes the stage.
From iconic music legends to fresh, up-and-coming talent, this year’s Savannah in the Round is set to deliver even more unforgettable performances with over 60 artists performing across the four days.
The festival has quickly grown to become one of the biggest in the Far North and event director James Dein is very excited to deliver another show in 2026.
“We’re now out of marketing mode and very much into delivery mode, to make sure that what we do is all about patron experience and we’re putting a lot of extra effort into that this year,” he said.
“That includes cleaner amenities, and more of them, better access around the site and more detail in and around camping comfort.
“We think that the overall experience is going to be a good one. It’s going to be an amazing festival and we’re looking forward to delivering it.”
This year’s event has headline acts such as American Pie’s Don McLean and Aussie rockers, Icehouse, as well as country sensation Tyler Braden from the USA and Australia’s own Missy Higgins.
Other big names include Lee Kernaghan, Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley, The Wolfe Brothers, Mental As Anything, Wade Forster and Max Jackson.
Mr Dein said this year’s line-up was a broad mix with something for everyone.
“I think we’ve got a well-rounded, solid festival line-up with something for everyone. It’s a real blend of genres across the board,” he said.
“We’ve got some wonderful heritage artists, but we’ve also got probably the strongest mix of new and emerging artists at the festival this year. It’s a cracking line-up.”
On Saturday night, Savannah in the Round will attempt to claim the unofficial title for the largest American Pie singalong Australia has ever seen, according to Mr Dein.
“We’re really looking forward to the big singalong with American Pie. It’s going to be amazing,” Mr Dien said.
McLean will be performing on a grand piano, courtesy of the Pullman International Cairns.
The event started yesterday.
For more details visit www.cnslocal.s.gy/UrGnDp
