Carnivale marks 30 years in 2024

OLD and new events will be the highlight of next year’s Port Douglas Carnivale celebration as the countdown begins to the much-loved festival’s 30th milestone year.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said planning was already underway for 2024, even while the dust still settled on this year’s event, which was held last month from May 12-21.

Mayor Kerr said perfect weather helped draw crowds to the various events across the three days with every corner of Port Douglas activated in some way.

“We saw pop up events across town including the Family Beach Day on Four Mile Beach, the Tropic Rock concert with You Am I at Rex Smeal Park, the Longest Lunch, FNQ Gin Fest and Seafood Extravaganza centred around Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, as well as community events at the Port Douglas Community Hall and the Sugar Wharf.”

Dixie Park was once again the home base for the Wonderland Spiegeltent’s 10- day season, which included performances of Popcorn Underground, Debauched, and Circus Wonderland – A Neverland Adventure.

“People loved the atmosphere right across town, and it is this formula that has contributed to the long-running success of Port Douglas Carnivale,” Cr Kerr added.

“We are so fortunate to live in this amazing part of the world and Carnivale gives us a platform to showcase our world-class produce, talent and creativity on a national stage.”

Mayor Kerr said revellers could expect the return of some of Carnivale’s favourite events such as The Wonderland Spiegeltent, The Longest Lunch, Street Parade, Family Beach Day and Seafood Extravaganza in 2024 along with some special surprises that celebrated the very foundations of the festival.

To join in the excitement next year, mark your calendar for when Port Douglas Carnivale returns on May 24-26, 2024.