Grand Parade will not be rescheduled

Council regrettably advises that the Cairns Festival Grand Parade will not be rescheduled this year.

The parade was cancelled on Saturday 26 August due to rain.

Council did look at the possibility of rescheduling the event later this year, however, after careful consideration, no suitable date was available.

Council CEO Mica Martin said the decision to cancel the original event was not an easy one.

“I understand that it was disappointing for the community as well as all those people who had made such a big effort preparing floats,” Ms Martin said.

“However, the safety and wellbeing of parade-goers and participants had to be our first priority, for that we are unapologetic.

“We also had to be mindful of the impact wet weather could have on the participants, the floats and their costumes, as well as the comfort of attendees.”

Ms Martin said that after looking at possible dates to reschedule the event, none were suitable.

“This is a very busy time for everyone, there are many events such as Amateurs, Babinda Harvest Festival, school holidays and now the Voice to Parliament referendum, in the coming weeks, and we are also conscious that if we push into December we are heading into the wet season,” she said.

“It would be unfair on parade participants to again prepare for the event, in full knowledge of an increased chance it could be impacted by rain.”

Ms Martin said that Council will engage with float participants to start preparations for next year’s event with the goal of making it “even bigger and better” than previous parades.