Children's festival fosters a love of the arts

The region’s children can play, learn, explore, create, be inspired and perform at 16 events and activities at the Cairns Children’s Festival this weekend.

Now stretching over two days (May 18 and 19), there’s something to suit every taste, from visual art exhibitions and relay races, to pop-up libraries, film screenings and loads of interactive creation stations to let little ones play to their heart’s content.

Children across the region will not only have the chance to watch the shows, but be a star themselves thanks to the popular 5 Minutes of Fame Stage, where kids perform on a professional mini-stage, complete with technicians, PA systems, microphones and lights, and new addition Character Building Play, where budding thespians can write, cast, act in and direct their own play.

Councillor Linda Cooper said the Cairns Children’s Festival, aimed at children under 12, is all about getting kids interested in the arts.

“The festival has grown rapidly over the past six years, so much so that we’ve had to extend the program over two days,” Cr Cooper said.

“I hope kids get inspired by the wealth of performances and exhibitions and use that inspiration to express their own creativity through the many hands-on activities.

“Whether its singing and dancing, painting or play writing, the Festival aims to foster a love of the arts in our kids, leading to countless hours of enjoyment over their lifetime.

“And who knows, maybe one of this weekend’s budding creatives will become the next chart-topping artist or Archibald Prize winner.”

Held at the Botanic Gardens, Tanks Arts Centre and the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, more than 5000 kids (plus their grown-ups) are expected to take part in the mostly free activities.

New events this year include:

The chance to be ‘swallowed’ by a giant whale during The Whale’s Tale at the Botanic GardensImagining new fish species and creating them from recycled plastic in The Undersea GardenA fun and interactive behind-the-scenes look at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, guided by performers from The Young Company (small fee, bookings essential through Ticketlink)Jina’s Journey, a show for families told through dance, music and mischievous characters exclusively created by Miriki Performing Arts to share an important message that bridges cultures and generations (ticketed)Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus, by world-renowned circus company CIRCA, with the man known as Mozart appearing amid a storm of powder, tumbling and twirling (ticketed)

For the full Cairns Children’s Festival program visit: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/facilities-sport-leisure/arts-culture/cairns-childrens-festival