Council says Cairns Festival was biggest ever. What do you think?

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More than 100,000 people attended the 60^th anniversary Cairns Festival, including a record 35,000 for the Grand Parade along the Esplanade.

The Festival wrapped up last weekend after 224 events featuring more than 1200 performers and artists.

It’s the largest festival Cairns Regional Council has produced, and Mayor, Bob Manning, said the community embraced the event despite some wet weather.

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“Although the weather wasn’t always on our side, it wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of Cairns Festival revellers.

“We always aim to deliver a diverse program that shows off the beauty of this unique region and celebrates the community heart that beats in Cairns.

“This year’s festival was the largest we’ve ever produced, and the positive response from the local community has been overwhelming.”

Crowd favourites included Carnival on Collins, Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhales over the Showgrounds at dawn, and the Grand Parade, with 51 floats, 2000 participants and 36 dogs taking part.

Winners of the Grand Parade float competition were given their prizes at the Court House on Wednesday.

Kuranda Town won first place, Birds of Paradise Samba Dancers were second, and Cairns Rock and Roll Dance Club came third.

Mayor Manning said the Festival is an important platform for the Far North Queensland arts sector.

“Council prides itself on promoting the incredible arts and culture scene thriving here in Cairns.

“More than 60 per cent of the performers, artists, and dancers were from Queensland, with many of them calling Far North Queensland home.”

Cairns favourites Lady Valiant and Kaweyova featured on the Festival music program, along with Amy Shark and Brisbane band Fat Picnic.

Council is inviting people who attended the Festival to share feedback to make the event even better next year. You can also vote in our Tropic Now poll below.

Vote for your favourites, choose three then click submit and see which are the most popular.