Rockhampton River Festival Gears Up for its 10th Anniversary Event
Published on 04 July 2024
Rockhampton River Festival is gearing up for its most spectacular year yet, marking its 10th anniversary with a vibrant riverside celebration from July 26th to 28th, 2024.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said this year’s festival, River Fest X, themed “Reflection,” honours a decade of growth, transformation, and community spirit in the region since the festival's inception in 2014.
“What started as a local community celebration has blossomed into an iconic three-day event in Central Queensland, bringing together over 40,000 attendees to enjoy arts, culture and entertainment,” Mayor Williams said.
“Kick off the festival weekend with Country on Quay on the Friday, followed by two nights of non-stop music, culminating with Eskimo Joe's performance on Sunday. The Artist Collective, located opposite the Rockhampton Museum of Art, will showcase local talent with artist pop-ups on Saturday and the new Thrift It market on Sunday, promoting sustainable fashion with pre-loved treasures.
“Flavours of the World returns, offering culinary delights from Thai, German, Spanish, Japanese, Brazilian, and Hungarian cuisines – a gastronomic adventure is a must-visit for food lovers.
“Debuting this year is the Market Village, nestled between Derby and Williams Streets, featuring over 35 stallholders. From handmade jewellery and leather accessories to spices, sweets, and pet accessories, Market Village will be a shopper’s paradise.
“And the best part – it’s free entry!”
Advance Rockhampton Tourism and Events Manager Zac Garven is excited to announce that River Fest X will bring significant arts facilitators to Rockhampton, including ØFFERINGS, who will deliver exceptional workshops never before delivered in regional Queensland.
“The opportunity to bring impactful artists like ØFFERINGS to Rockhampton for River Fest presents once-in-a-lifetime experiences for festival attendees,” Mr. Garven said.
“Attendees can look forward to joining ØFFERINGS in a demolition party, where they can build and destroy large-scale Hyper Temples in the ‘Build and Destroy’ workshop on Rod Laver Plaza or they can participate in ‘Utopia Playshop,’ choosing, building, and embodying their very own plush avatar as wearable art.
“These unique artistic experiences are set to enhance the festival, offering attendees immersive and creative opportunities that are truly unparalleled.
“This milestone anniversary promises to be the biggest and best yet and we’d like to extend a warm welcome to visitors, encouraging them to enjoy the festival for the entire weekend.
“In 2023, we welcomed thousands of visitors to Rockhampton during the festival, resulting in over $989,000 of total direct and incremental expenditure for the region. This impressive turnout highlights the strong support River Festival has across Central Queensland and we can’t wait to deliver the 2024 milestone event.”
Rockhampton River Festival will take place from Friday 26 – Sunday 28 July 2024. For more information and updates, visit the Rockhampton River Festival Facebook page at www.fb.com/rockyriverfestival, Instagram www.instagram.com/rockhamptonriverfestival or the website at www.rockyriverfestival.com.au
ABOUT ØFFERINGS
UnitePlayPerform (UPP) is an Australian arts health organisation enhancing wellbeing through creativity in a globally connected world. UPP is a transformational therapeutic methodology incorporating play, making, performance and community. UPP workshops are governed by the aim of allowing healing and creativity to occupy the forefront of our everyday lives.
ØFFERINGS (Melissa Gilbert) First Nations lineage is from Mununjali Peoples, Yugumbeh - Five Rivers with ties to Quandamooka.
Melissa is the Artist, Founder and Educator behind UnitePlayPerform, whose artist name is ØFFERINGS, is a Eora-based multi-disciplinary artist and educator who strives to facilitate togetherness and connection through socially engaging art. Gilbert boasts a vast background in experimental art and creative industries such as music performance and production, hosting immersive large-scale events.
This is a unique opportunity to explore tangible spectacular art, touch, clip clasp and co-design your very own large scale soft sculpture Hyper Temples or design your own plush avatar made with layers of wearable art!
Meet renowned contemporary artist ØFFERINGS who has exhibited and disrupted Art Gallery of NSW, MONA Tasmania, Museum of Brisbane, Carriage Works, Hong Kong Design District, Cockatoo Island and more! This is a playful immersive journey not to be missed!
Find out more at https://www.uniteplayperform.co/
ABOUT ROCKHAMPTON RIVER FESTIVAL
The Fitzroy River (Tunuba) has been the life source for the people of Central Queensland since the time of the Dreaming. In a celebration of its glory, and its strength to support the community, Rockhampton Regional Council launched Rockhampton River Festival in 2014.
Rockhampton River Festival is the quintessential winter festival on the Central Queensland calendar, showcasing a diverse line-up of nationally recognised artists and up-and-coming talent. Held in the picturesque Rockhampton Riverside Precinct, the festival aims to create a vibrant celebration of music, art, food and culture that captivates audiences of all ages. With its commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences, Rockhampton River Festival solidifies the region as the Events Capital of Central Queensland.
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 July 2024
Rockhampton Riverside Precinct - Quay Street, Rockhampton
Free Entry, All Ages event
Rockhampton River Festival is brought to you by Rockhampton Regional Council and presented by Advance Rockhampton with support from the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar and Arts Queensland funding.
The 2024 festival would not be possible without the support of these sponsors: Gladstone Ports Corporation, Mr Real Estate, Fitzroy Partnership for River Health, Stanwell Power Station, McDonalds Family Restaurants CQ, Frenchville Sports Club, K & S Timber, Mr Fireworks, Seven, CQ Today and KIX Country.