Ecofiesta returns in 2021 with a new venue

Cairns Ecofiesta has a new home in 2021 with Munro Martin Parklands hosting the Far North’s premier sustainability festival on Sunday 13 June.

The new venue, with more space to spread out and plenty of greenery, will bring a new level of ‘Eco’ to Ecofiesta.

Ecofiesta was cancelled in 2020 because of COVID-19, but returns this year with a renewed emphasis of turning ideas into actions.

Local eco-businesses, artisans, food and drink vans, entertainers, not-for-profit organisations and volunteers are invited to get involved in Cairns Ecofiesta 2021 through an online application process on Cairns Regional Council’s website.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the free community festival combined environmentally friendly products and sustainable living ideas with entertainment, fun, food and importantly education.

“While the past 12 months of restrictions and lockdowns have presented us with many environmental challenges, such as an increase in single-use plastics, they have also opened up opportunities, such as starting a garden or taking on a home renovation,” said Cr Manning.

“During this time many people stopped to think about what was really important to them.

“Nature, protecting our environment and living more sustainably was a priority for many people. Ecofiesta helps people to turn those ideas into action.

“With a huge market area full of clean-tech and low-impact products, Ecofiesta brings the green edge of the region’s business community into the one place so people can connect with their own sustainable living solutions.”

Cairns Ecofiesta is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

Ecofiesta takes a ‘triple bottom line’ approach to event-organising considering planet, people and prosperity when choosing stallholders, food vendors who favour in-season local produce, and workshop convenors who can inspire behaviour change.

Environmental organisations such as the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre provide opportunity to connect with a cause, from climate action through to local wildlife caring.

Funk soul, reggae band, The Natural Culture, will headline the entertainment line-up, which includes a full program of roving performers and children’s activities.

Ecofiesta is an all ages event, with free entry, entertainment and eco-activities for everyone, presented by Cairns Regional Council with support from Optus, the State Government’s Tourism Events Queensland, Wet Tropics Management Authority and CAFNEC.

Applications and expressions of interest are now open for stallholders, entertainers, food and drink vendors, volunteers and sponsors. Apply online at https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/community-environment/sustainability/ecofiesta