Packed Carnivale program launched today

Douglas Events

Shaun Hollis

Journalist

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Sheraton executive chef Belinda Tuckwell says the resort is staging three big events for Carnivale this year. Picture: Shaun Hollis

The full Port Douglas Carnivale program is out today, with more than 20 events planned and several new additions to the schedule.

Highlights announced today at the program launch include several big food and party events at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, the Temple of Fire beach club soiree at Pullman Resort on Saturday, May 24, the Carnivale Poolside Fiesta at Oaks Resort on Sunday, May 25, and a new tropical light show each evening from May 23-25.

These will join some of those big-ticket items already announced, including the Savannah Sounds music festival from May 23-25, the Maho Magic Bar in Dixie Park from Wednesday, May 14, to Sunday, June 8, and the Street Parade on Friday, May 23.

A host of family events are also returning, including the Kids Disco on May 23 and the Tin Shed Family Beach Day on May 24.

The newly released program includes the full band line-up for the Newsport-sponsored Savannah Sounds festival, with Sheppard and The Black Sorrows the headline acts on Saturday night, and Glenn Shorrock and Roadtrippers closing out Sunday night.

The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is playing a bigger part in this year’s Carnivale, including the Italian Feast Under the Stars on Saturday, May 17, the Longest Lunch on Friday, May 23, and the Sunset Sessions pool party on Saturday, May 24.

Sheraton executive chef Belinda Tuckwell says the Longest Lunch will be going right down the resort driveway, with about 300 people enjoying fantastic food and drinks.

“I’m actually a bit disappointed I’m cooking it and I’m not going to be eating it,” she jokes.

The Italian Feast will include opera under the stars and locally sourced fish and tropical fruit.

“It’s all about local,” Ms Tuckwell says.

“This a homage to the Italian farmers that started the sugar cane industry.

“We’ve got some of the old-timers from Mossman giving some crazy stories about the old days and snake bites in the sugarcane.”

Cafe Del Mar DJs will be playing at the Sunset Sessions by the Sheraton swimming pools.

“There’s going to be mermaids, sea circuses, great food, we’ve got different little bars set up, we’ve got a bit of French Riviera-themed snacks,” she says.

“We’re gonna have a bit of a Mediterranean vibe happening, great DJs, lots of beautiful lights.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon says there are more than 20 events across the entire 10 days.

“The best part of Port Douglas Carnivale is I think the Parade on Friday night, which is attended by school students, our sporting clubs and businesses,” Mayor Scomazzon says.

“It’s good to see so many people attend that.”

She also highlighted the sandcastle competition on beach day and the kids’ disco as some other family favourites.

Running from May 16-25, other Carnivale events include the Sea Circus Treasured Tales show at the Surf Life Saving Club on Thursday, May 22, Sideshow Alley, art and photography exhibitions and the Sunday Markets.

For the sports-minded, there is the Port Douglas Carnivale Classic golf tournament and the Douglas Dash running event, both on May 25. 

And dog lovers are also catered for with the Pooch Party on May 24, supporting Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.

For more information and to book tickets visit carnivale.com.au.

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