For the first time Redfest will go green, opening its 59th festival with an Irish night on Friday, September 8.
Acts include Murphy’s Pigs, Sasta, Mark Cryle and Carmel Newman.
The announcement was made by Redfest President Luke Kinman at the festival launch at the Alexandra Hills Hotel on August 22,along with the release of the program and major acts for the festival.
This year’s draw cards include Justice Crew performing on the concert stage from 7.15pm on Saturday, September 9 and Troy Cassar-Daley performing from 2.30pm to 4pm on Sunday, September 10.
These performers join a swag of talent coming to the various venues throughout the festival. These include the Heart Collectors (noon, September 9), Jimmy Davis (1.45pm, September 9), Round Mountain Girls (2.45pm, September 9), Casey Barnes (4.45pm. September 9), Lecia Louise (8.30pm, September 9), Donnelle Brooks (10am, September 10), Angela Toohey Trio (11am, September 10), Jason Fichera (noon, September 10) and Rav Thomas (1pm, September 10).
Channel 7 presenters Jessica Skarratt and Laurel Edwards will also feature as emcees on the main stage.
Venues have been newly named including the Strawberry plaza, Teas Me, Strawberry Fields and Berry Fun Club (children’s).
”This year has seen some significant change to the RedFest programming and core focus. A clear vision for what the festival was to achieve was set earlier this year and the committee has worked extremely hard to achieve the desired outcomes. My vision for this year’s festival was to not only provide a diverse, high quality and re-energized program but to ensure that the community was at the core of the festivals operation,” Mr Kinman said
Mr Kinman said it was the community support, commitment and contribution that had made RedFest special for the past 59 years.
“Whether you are young or old, RedFest still plays a significant part of community life and provides a distinct identity for the Redlands. No matter who I speak to, everyone remembers, knows and loves the Strawberry Festival. With a festival brand so strong and a community so committed to recreating these memories and creating new memories, it is only fitting that the festival program be focussed on providing the very best.”
The festival also launches the inaugural Nandeebie Kunjiel (corroboree) as part of the partnering Quandamooka Festival. This includes a dance circle, traditional dancing, cultural demonstration and interactive sand art workshop, additional to the Quandamooka Festival pavilion.
Ongoing is the popular strawberry eating competition, lantern parade and two nights of fireworks.
But according to Mr Kinman, it is the strawberry that remains at the heart of the festival.
“Strawberries are the heart and soul of the festival. We will have more than two tonne of strawberries picked fresh from the Wellington Point Farm for sale, as well as the much loved strawberry ice creams available from the Redland Bay Uniting Church and this year, we will also have strawberry cocktails available from the festival bars,” he said.
Mr Kinman said he believed RedFest was the only event in Redlands run by the community for the community, making it Redlands’ iconic event.
In opening the launch, Deputy Mayor Wendy Boglary said Redfest was something that appealed to the next generation of children.
“Redfest has evolved as the community has evolved. Its strength is the ability to accept and implement change. This is a place your grandparents take you to and once a year, you can eat some things your parents wouldn’t let you eat,” Cr Boglary said.
The event is supported by various sponsors including Propeller Graphic Design and Marketing, Redland City Bulletin, Design Line, Calm Events, Redlands Sporting Club, Walker Corporation, Alexandra Hills Suites and Conference Centre, Australian Industry Trade College, Mount Cotton Landscaping, Green as Grass Lawns, Stockland Cleveland and supporters Bendigo Bank, Kennards Hire, Multi Hire, Bunnings Warehouse and Burleigh Brewing Company. Local groups involved include the Rotary Club of Cleveland, AITC Redlands Campus and T.S. Diamentia and the Birkdale Venturer Scouts.
“The next thing is to get the Friday declared a public holiday,” he said.
Full details on redfest.com.au
