The countdown is on for the event that stops the mighty Bruce Highway as the Childers Festival gets set to celebrate all-embracing culture, delicious food, fascinating history, and all things uniquely Childers on the last weekend in July.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to immerse themselves in the rolling red hills and stunning heritage-filled streets of the town to celebrate community, history and music, where an impressive lineup awaits, featuring antipodean rock legends Dragon, operatic pop tenor Mark Vincent and an abundance of local artists.

Spotlighting both the rich history of the agricultural region, and its bold future, events will take place throughout the picturesque village and hinterlands of Childers, just a short drive west of Bundaberg or a three-and-a-half-hour trip north of Brisbane. From idyllic picnics among the vines at Vintners Secret Vineyard to the sugarcane paddocks for a spectacular Sugar Mill & Cane Fire Tour.

Friday 26 July will see RESPECT: The Aretha Franklin Story taking center stage at the heritage-listed Paragon Theatre, with an electrifying tribute to the Queen of Soul herself.

The iconic festival comes to a close on Sunday 30 July, where the highway is transformed into a bustling hub of market stalls, foodie delights and live entertainment, all staged between the heritage-listed buildings and leopard tree-lined streets of Childers.

Other program highlights of the festival will include, Opera By The Lake, where guests can savour local tipples and the symphonies of Mark Vincent and homegrown soprano songstress Suellen Cusack, as well as the crowd-favourite Long Table Dinner at boutique winery Hill of Promise.

Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn said she was looking forward to the annual event which was renowned around the country as the only festival to stop the Bruce Highway.

“The highway will feature more than 400 stalls set up for market day where community members can pick up a vintage treasure, sample local produce and take in the festival atmosphere.

“One of the highlights of this year's festival will be a captivating performance by the iconic band Dragon, known for their timeless hits including April Sun in Cuba and Rain.

“I'm sure the band's energetic set will have the crowd dancing and singing along, adding to the festive atmosphere of the iconic Childers Festival.

”Mayor Blackburn said the annual festival was always a highlight event on the calendar for locals and tourists alike.

“In addition to Dragon's performance, the main festival day will feature a diverse range of entertainment including performances by Bondi Cigars and Murphy's Pigs, plus provide a wide variety of delicious food,” she said.

“I encourage the whole community to join in the festival fun at the end of July.”

About Childers Festival 2024

When: Thursday 25 July – Sunday 28 July

Where: Various locations around Childers

Program: www.childersfestival.com.au 

Images: https://platform.crowdriff.com/m/s--WEAME9RuiczzRh-