Festival fever to bring tourists to #MackayinJuly

Mackay's Festivals team is rolling out the Festival of Arts welcome mat for visitors to the region.

Mayor Greg Williamson was at Mackay Airport today with the Festivals team and representatives from Mackay Tourism to launch the 2019 Mackay Festival of Arts program.

A crowd-stopping pop-up display targeted at interstate visitors was also unveiled.

“We want to spread a little festival fever to visitors and get them back for ‘Mackay in July’,” said Cr Williamson.

“Our aim is to get a Festival program into the hands of every flyer,” he said.

“In 2018, the Festival welcomed more than 50,000 attendees to 10 days of events.

“In 2019, the focus is firmly set on encouraging locals to support the events, as well as enticing visitors to holiday in our beautiful region.

“We are partnering with Mackay Tourism, Mackay Airport and local traders and accommodation partners to spread the #MackayinJuly message.”

The Mackay Festival of Arts officially kicks off on Saturday, July 20, and runs until Sunday, July 28. However, fringe events run throughout July.

Mackay Tourism general manager Tas Webber said it was great to see Mackay Festival of Arts fever spreading through the community.

“You can’t beat Mackay at Festival of Arts time – the weather is sensational, and the calendar is packed with a smorgasbord of shows, events, family activities, public installations, dining experiences and exhibitions,” Mr Webber said.

“I’d encourage residents to spread the word about the Festival to all their family and friends interstate – send them a link to the online program and help us get the word out,” he said.

“Just make sure they book accommodation as soon as possible because rooms will fill up as the Festival draws closer.”

Cr Williamson said this year’s program excelled in the originality of its events and contained a tremendous array of offerings to appeal to the whole family.

“The Festival is a fantastic celebration of colour, fun and music,” he said.

“Courses in Colour will be a highlight, combining the gourmet grandeur of the MECC’s elite chefs with the elaborate lighting and special effects skills of the theatre’s audio-visual team.

“It will be a unique dining experience.

“Add to that free children’s shows, G&S Engineering Wine and Food Day headlined by Mental as Anything, opera, jazz, circus, DBCT Illuminate and Festival Club cabaret and the 33rd Mackay Festival of Arts is sure to be a drawcard.”

The 2019 Mackay Regional Festival of Arts Program is available online now at themecc.com.au/festivals

You can also grab your hardcopy program from the MECC box office, Mackay Airport, Mackay Tourism and Information Centres or participating local businesses.

Fact Box: #FestivalFever Promotion

We’re partnering with the region this year and spreading #FestivalFever far and wide!

Mackay businesses and accommodation providers are invited to put up a small Mackay Festival of Arts display (provided) with programs and in return they get access to our Friends of the Festival discounted tickets for staff, family and friends.

They can also win a triple double pass to the Jazz Brunch, Madama Butterfly and Magical Musical Circus – valued at over $250. To register your interest, simply email festivals@mackay.qld.gov.au or call 4961 9763.