Airlie Beach will be the hottest spot in Queensland on the weekend 16 – 19 August when the Reef Festival joins up with the Great Whitsunday Fun Race for an entertaining weekend. Coming right on the back of Airlie Beach Race Week, the place will be buzzing with activity for the biggest festival and party of the year.
The tradition of celebrating sailing with a fun race and party has been going for 35 years in town and many people have memorable tales to tell. On the Saturday the waters get crowded with colourful yachts covered with flags and bunting, crews decked out with imaginative costumes, glamorous figureheads and plenty of spectator craft of every size and style. Live music and a great atmosphere in the evening top off a perfect Whitsunday day.
This year there will be more events than ever for visitors to enjoy. Event organisers have decided moving the Reef Festival entertainment to the same weekend as the Fun Race will give people an even better excuse to come and enjoy all Airlie has to offer.
The Reef Festival will include the popular fireworks night and concert on the foreshore on Friday 17 August and the Great Whitsunday Fun Race and party on Saturday 18 August. The Street Parade on Saturday afternoon will follow the same pirate theme as the Fun Race and give land-lubbers a chance to join in the party atmosphere. Other events over the weekend include a recyclable regatta, sand-sculpting competition and the family fun day on the Sunday. Live music will be organised for both the Friday and Saturday night and there will be a “Pirate” theme for the weekend. Manager for the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Ange Rae says, “If you want to escape from the usual weekend routine, get into your pirate gear and get into Airlie Beach for a fun and fantastic weekend. The Reef Festival and The Great Whitsunday Fun Race have something to offer every pirate, young or rustic”.
For more information in the coming months or for a detailed program of events go to www.reeffestival.com or visit the Sailing Club website on www.whitsundaysailingclub.com.au.
