City to become a nautical playground

Shields Street in the heart of the city will be transformed into a nautical playground this weekend with Miss Nemo's Commotion under the Ocean.

To be staged on Shields Street, between Lake and Abbott streets, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm on Saturday 23 November, there will be entertainment to keep the whole family entertained.

Join in the FREEfunfor kids with the giant turtle jumping castle, octopus carousel and free popcorn and fairy floss.

Plus, live entertainment on Miss Nemo the Kombi (outside the Cotton Club) from 1pm to 4pm and then again from 5pm to 8pm.

Part of a Council-led activation program to reinvigorate the heart of the city, this weekend’s event follows the recent Sunday on Shields program and feedback from traders suggesting trialing a Saturday, early evening event.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said a vibrant and busy CBD precinct that engaged locals and visitors was important.

“Initiatives like the Shields Street activation provided families even more reasons to come to the CBD and make a day of it,” Cr Manning said.

“I know that our city traders welcomed the initiative and the people it brought into the CBD.

“When you combine family events like this with free city parking on Saturday afternoons and all day on Sundays, which was reinstated earlier this year, it encourages residents to walk around, browse the shops, have something to eat and enjoy the many great things about our CBD.”

The Shields Street trial activation initiative featured 11 Sunday themed family days, market stalls and live entertainment though partnerships with CBD traders, education providers and buskers.