Festival parade to celebrate colour and diversity

Community and cultural groups, schools, and sporting clubs are invited to showcase their creativity at this year’s Cairns Festival Grand Parade.

Applications are now officially open for the 2024 Cairns Festival Grand Parade, which has been themed celebrating colour and diversity in the tropics.

Set to attract over 25,000 spectators along the Esplanade, from Florence St to Minnie St on Saturday 24 August, this year's Grand Parade promises a vibrant showcase of colour, cultures, and traditions.

Participation is free, with a chance to win a share of $7000 in prizes, including:

• $3,000 – First Prize
• $2,000 – Second Prize
• $1,000 – Third Prize
• $1,000 – Best Eco-float

The deadline for joining the festivities is fast approaching, as applications will close on Friday 26 July.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden 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.

“No two days in the tropics are the same, and this parade will showcase Cairns-style celebrations rain or shine.”

To reduce the chance of weather impacting this year’s event, some changes to float requirements have been made, including housing requirements for electronics and batteries. Applicants are encouraged to review the terms of agreement to ensure their float meets specifications, which are available on the Cairns Festival website.

“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.

For inquiries, please contact Council at 4032 6656 or email j.aird@cairns.qld.gov.au.