Community
17 April, 2024
Wet won’t rain on our parade
TO try to prevent a repeat of last year’s Cairns Festival grand parade cancellation due to the weather, some changes to float requirements have been made, including storage requirements for electronics and batteries.
Parade participants are urged to review the terms of agreement to ensure their float meets specifications, which are available on the Cairns Festival website. Mayor Amy Eden said “no two days in the tropics were the same, and this parade will showcase Cairns-style celebrations rain or shine.”
She is encouraging community and cultural groups to participate in a celebration of what it is to live in Cairns.
“The grand parade is a beloved community tradition, bringing together our diverse cultures for a day of celebration,” Cr Eden said.
“We want participants to fly their flags high, make their music heard, dance the night away, and celebrate our tropical city’s rich tapestry of cultures and colour,” she said.
“The grand parade is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and I look forward to seeing the creativity and vibrancy that our participants bring to the streets of Cairns,” Cr Eden added.
Community and cultural groups, schools, and sporting clubs are invited to showcase their creativity at this year’s parade.
Applications are now officially open for the 2024 event, which has been themed celebrating colour and diversity in the tropics.
It is expected to attract 25,000-plus spectators along the Esplanade, from Florence St to Minnie St on Saturday, August 24.
Participation is free, with a chance to win a share of $7000 in prizes, including a first prize of $3000. Applications close on Friday, July 26.
Interested parties can access application forms, float guidelines, and safety checklists on council’s website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/festival/join-in/Join-the-Grand-Parade. For inquiries, call 4032 6656 or email j.aird@cairns.qld.gov.au
