A 10-day festival has been dubbed a highlight on the national arts stage as it continues to attract big crowds on the Sunshine Coast.
The Horizon Festival, which is being held at various locations around the region from August 26 to September 4, has proved to be a hit.
Horizon Festival Director Hannah Clissold said patrons were enjoying the festival hub, the stunning Wonderland Spiegeltent, at Cotton Tree.
“It’s great to see so much community support for the arts,” she said.
“We’ve got some amazing shows still to come, including Circa’s Peepshow, which, if the gasps, smiles and wows from the first three shows are anything to go by, has been a massive hit since it opened on Friday.
“And with just three more shows to go on August 31, September 1 and 2, I’d encourage booking soon — our box office has been running hot.
“Tickets to all Speigeltent shows are available on our website (Horizon Festival) or there’s also a box office on site during certain times.”
Sunshine Coast Council’s Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said he was thrilled with the community’s reaction to the festival.
“Our region’s arts ecology is booming at this time,” he said.
“The Horizon Festival is a huge engine pumping out great content and it’s an absolute highlight on the national arts stage right now.
“We’re only a few days in and we couldn’t have hoped for a bigger release of pent up demand or a better turn out.
“It’s testament to the choice of events, quality of the programming and thirst for the arts right here on the Sunshine Coast.”
A huge name still to come on the Spiegeltent billing is Justine Clarke, who’s been dazzling kids all over Australia with her show ‘Everybody Roar’.
“Anyone who likes to sing and dance will love the show,” Ms Clarke said.
“It’s a celebration of all the best and most popular music I’ve made over the past 15 years.
“I love sharing my love of music and getting kids to discover the joy of hearing musicians play.”
Performances from Justine will be held on August 30 and 31 at 10am. Tickets cost $20 and kids under two are free.
The performance is recommended for children under 10.
Another hilarious highlight is Steven Oliver, who’s Bigger and Blacker show will have audience members rolling out of the tent.
Steven described his event as a bit of rap, a bit of a sing, a bit of a tap and a lot of shaking his ring.
“People can expect my original songs and lots of laughs,” Mr Oliver said.
“There’s show-tunes, funky tunes, rap tunes and sexy dancing.
“I’ll have something for everybody and while there might be a couple of cheeky words here and there, my show is for the whole family.”
Steven’s shows are on at the Spiegeltent on September 2 at 8.30pm and on September 3 at 6.30pm. Tickets cost from $29.
Kids and families have lots to look forward to with comedy performances from Holy Bin Amoley! on September 3 at 10am and 1.30pm and September 4 at 10am.
The show is recommended for kids under 10 and tickets cost $10 with kids under 2 free.
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register.
Anyone who loves the ethos of getting back to nature, will already know and love the Wildlings Forest School.
They’re offering a range of workshops at the Spiegeltent gardens including painting, flower pressing, clay play and mini boat making.
Workshop tickets are just $20 for a three-hour session and kick off at 9am each day from September 1.
The festival will culminate with a real highlight, Dawn Awakening.
As the first light rises on the banks for Stumers Creek in Coolum, this moving performance will shift something inside those who set their alarm.
Dawn Awakening will be held on Sunday September 4 at 5am. Register for this free event and plan your festival experience at Horizon Festival.
