Summer Sounds coming to Cairns

The Palaszczuk Government’s North Queensland Events Recovery Package has secured some of Australia’s most respected music names for a series of live performances during February in Cairns.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe announced John Butler, Bernard Fanning and Amy Shark would play Cairns Summer Sounds at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

“These are great Australian acts that confirm Cairns’ place as a music and visitor destination,” Mr Hinchliffe said.  

“And, this is exactly the kind of event series the Palaszczuk Government had in mind when we launched the North Queensland Events Recovery Package earlier this year.

“Cairns Summer Sounds is expected to be the catalyst for a fresh wave of visitors to the Far North to enjoy live music, the reef, World Heritage-listed rainforests and this region’s amazing food and hospitality.

“For music fans it’s the perfect excuse to pack a bag and spoil yourself with a February break in Cairns and the Far North.   

“We know Cairns has been hit hard by the global COVID pandemic.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s North Queensland Events Recovery Package and Cairns Summer Sounds will support local jobs and Cairns’ COVID-19 economic recovery.”

John Butler - from The John Butler Trio - will play Cairns Summer Sounds on February 4 and 5, followed by Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning on February 20 and 21, and Amy Shark on February 26 and 27.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said Cairns Summer Sounds was presented in partnership by Tourism and Events Queensland and Cairns Regional Council.

“The Cairns Summer Sounds events are another example of what we can achieve when Council and the Palaszczuk Government work in partnership for our city,” Mr Healy said.

“Far North Queensland has an excellent venue in the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

“Not only do events like Cairns Summer Sounds support jobs at the Performing Arts Centre, they also benefit accommodation providers, local restaurants, cafés and tour businesses.

“Cairns Summer Sounds marks the return of top music acts after COVID-19 and we know how important events are for our economy because when visitors come to Cairns for an event they stay longer and spend more.”

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the calibre of the artists and their respective shows would provide a boost for Cairns.

“For decades, Cairns has been well known for the magnificent reef and rainforests we are surrounded by, but more recently we have gained recognition as a centre for arts,” Cr Manning said.

“This series of shows will entice visitors to our region, providing our local hotels and traders with a boost during our traditionally slow season.

“Staging the shows at CPAC means the weather is not an issue for over 5000 patrons expected to attend the series, who will be treated to performances by renowned artists in a state-of-the-art venue.”

Cr Manning acknowledged the support of the State Government in helping to bring these high calibre shows to Cairns.

“Cairns has a good relationship with Tourism and Events Queensland and once again we are happy to be working together to bring events to regional Queensland,” he said.

“We all know that the arts and entertainment community was one of the hardest hit by the COVID pandemic, so it is fantastic so see the industry getting back on its feet and we are delighted to see these artists coming to Tropical North Queensland.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said Cairns Summer Sounds would give visitors a reason to holiday in the city during February.

“With the school holidays over it is the perfect timing for couples to have the getaway they need to reconnect with each other after a tough year,” he said.

“Relaxing at a resort in between snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, walking through the world’s oldest rainforest, dining out and enjoying live music is the perfect summer break.”

Tickets for Cairns Summer Sounds go on sale on Tuesday 15 December from 11am, through Ticketlink, visit www.ticketlink.com.au or call 1300 855 835.

Media contact:  0427 475 089