THE JUNGLE GIANTS AND CARNIVAL ON COLLINS WRAP UP CLOSING WEEKEND

As the curtains draw to a close on an incredible 10 days of live music, culture, art, and community events, the spontaneous, hypnotic jazzy sounds of the Harry Angus Duo has taken the spotlight as the final act of Cairns Festival.

For Harry, returning to Cairns, one of his favourites on the Australian touring circuit, to close out the City’s biggest event of the year, has been “a real honour”.

“I can’t count the times I have performed in Cairns from the days of the Kuranda Amphitheatre to Johnno’s Blues Bar.

“Cairns draws a great crowd and the Festival HQ Stage has been no different ­- it is great to see people genuinely showing up for live music events.

“I feel a kinship with many here, and I have seen many familiar faces in the audience. Sharing the line-up with hometown favourites like Izy has also been fantastic; they are Cairns’ royalty.”

Describing himself as a “so-called jazz musician”, Harry said what he valued most about performing was the spontaneity and improvised moments.

“What truly excites me is when the audience and I unexpectedly reach something special or unanticipated.

“When that happens, everyone can feel it—the crowd and musicians. It's a rush that only jazz and improvised music can provide.”

Harry’s performance was just one of many live performances that filled the Cairns Festival program across multiple venues and outdoor locations, including The Jungle Giants at Munro Martin Parklands, Jazz Under the Stars at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, Main Stage on the Cairns Esplanade and Festival HQ at the Court House Gallery, attracting people in their thousands.

Carnival on Collins also took centre stage this weekend, transforming Edge Hill’s cultural precinct along with Collins Avenue into a vibrant tapestry of colours, flavours and culture.

Roz Pappalardo, artistic director for Cairns Festival, said the lively atmosphere, coupled with the mix of cultures and artistic expressions, showcased Cairns' unique character and the festival’s commitment to celebrating community and fostering connections.

"From live performances to light and visual art installations that filled the city's landscape and lit the night sky for 10 days, Cairns Festival continues to transform Cairns into a thriving centre of artistic expression,” she said.

Cairns Festival also provided a platform for emerging artists to shine, with several showcases dedicated to local talent, while workshops, masterclasses, and interactive exhibitions allowed festival goers the chance to engage directly with the creative process of different art forms.

“I would like to thank the artists, sponsors, volunteers and the entire Cairns community for making this event possible,” Pappalardo added.

“The festival's success is a testament to the power of coming together to celebrate diversity, foster creativity and strengthen community bonds.”