Boost for major sport, music and cultural events

Council has approved $500,000 in funding through its Major Events Sponsorship program to support sporting, cultural and music events.

Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Club Inc will receive a $225,000 contribution over the next three years to support Cairns Amateurs Carnival from 2024-2026.

The annual three-day event has been part of the Cairns calendar for more than 60 years and the mix of horse racing, fashion, lifestyle and culture generate positive social and cultural benefits, as well as tourism and economic impacts.

Red Hot Summer Tour is set to return to Cairns for the next three years with Council endorsing $150,000 in support for the popular music event.

The funding agreement is comprised of $50,000 per year to support the event being held at the Cairns Showgrounds in May 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Held in Cairns since 2019, Red Hot Summer Tour is a national music festival that presents an all-Australian line up and enters its 14th year in 2024.

Mountain biking event, Reef to Reef, will be supported by a $75,000 Council contribution over three years.

Held in the region since 2018, the multi-day mountain bike stage race includes trails across a broad range of riding surfaces, trail types and environments, and includes one day in the Cairns Local Government Area (Smithfield Mountain Bike Park).

Council has approved a $50,000 contribution for the third annual Cairns Italian Festival, scheduled for July 2024.

The festival features a number of events, including the Cinecitta Gala Ball, Hall of Fame Awards, a Family Night, and La Festa – Food & Wine, which is expected to attract 12,000 people.