AFCM takes the stage in Cairns

Taking the stage in Cairns-Gimuy for the very first time, the renowned Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) has certainly left a lasting impression on the music, arts and culture scene of the Far North.

The festival has called Townsville home for over 30 years, but made the move further north for 2026 to explore what Cairns-Gimuy has to offer, running from 24 July to 1 August in various locations around town.

With over 28 individual and group expert performers across a week-long program of concerts and events, AFCM sold 25% more tickets this year than ever before. Over 10,900 tickets were sold to events throughout the week, showing that the people of Cairns-Gimuy really didn’t want the music to end.

The AFCM executive team reported 2026 as the highest-grossing year they have ever seen, calling the 2026 festival a flagship-event success story.

With premium concerts, record ticket sales, and the strongest revenue-growth from Opening Night throughout the week, the team can’t wait to bring the magic of chamber music back to Cairns-Gimuy in 2027.

Much of the Festival’s program hinges on shared experiences, including concerts, orchestral performances, small quartet experiences, and more.
Audiences loved the performance brought to Cairns-Gimuy, and can’t wait to see it return for another year.

Cairns Regional Council is proud to support AFCM as a major event partner and sponsor.

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music will be held in Cairns from 23-31 July, 2027.