Celebrate Australia Day at South Bank

The Parklands, South Bank, will be the place to be on Sunday 26 January with a full program of entertainment and activities planned for this year’s Australia Day Festival.

Premier Campbell Newman said the festival will celebrate all that makes our country great, with live music, interactive art installations, and family entertainment.

“The festivities start at 10 am, with the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony on the Cultural Forecourt at 11.15 am, a highlight of the festival,” Mr Newman said.

“The ceremony will feature the Australian Defence Force guard of honour and the Australian Army Band Brisbane as they raise the Australian, Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

“The Flag Raising Ceremony will conclude noon with a 12 gun salute and F/A-18F Super Hornet flypast.

“You’ll also be able to enjoy live music and entertainment at five stages throughout the South Bank precinct including QPAC’s Barbie on the Green.

“Celebrations will end with a spectacular fireworks display over the Brisbane River at 7.30pm.”

The day will also showcase some of South East Queensland’s most talented artists including acclaimed street artist Fintan Magee, who will be transforming the fascia of a car park vent on the Cultural Forecourt into a permanent art display.

You can even join in one of the interactive installations including Australian Unity’s Thank you Australia project where local artist Barek will transform photos and messages of thanks into street art.

If you would just like to relax, visit the IKEA Backyard, or wander through the Young Designer’s Markets. Festival goers can even enjoy free film screenings at State Library of Queensland playing Australian favourites, Babe and Strictly Ballroom.

There will be several other interactive activities on offer including the opportunity to cheer on your fellow Aussies racing in thongs in the Triple M’s Pluggers Gift or bring your ukulele and strum along with the Brisbane Ukulele Musician’s Society.

Live performances throughout the day will include local six piece band Cheap Fakes, jazz sensation Melissa Western, indie-folk trio Brother Fox, Selahphonic, Babas Band, and reggae-infused dance group Kooii.

The Australia Day Festival will be held on Sunday 26 January from 10 am until 7.30 pm at the Parklands, South Bank.

For the full program and information about getting to the Australia Day Festival visit www.australiaday.org.au/qld or like Australia Day Queensland on Facebook.

Australia Day activities in Queensland are proudly supported by the Queensland Government and assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

The Australia Day Festival is proudly sponsored by Network 10, B105, Triple M, 4BC, Australian Unity, South Bank Parklands, Brisbane Marketing, Banana Boat, IKEA, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and Breaka.

[ENDS] 17 January 2014

Contact: Premier’s Office 3719 7000