Savannah Sounds, the three-day music festival at the centre of Port Douglas Carnivale for the first time in 2025, has been backed in by Douglas Shire Council for the next three years with almost $90,000 of support signed off at council’s latest meeting.

Specifically curated for the Carnivale, and held in Rex Smeal Park, Savannah Sounds presents nationally known headline acts -  Sheppard for its first outing - along with a broad program of musical artists covering a wide variety of genres, blending high energy performances with laid back tropical vibes and a range of food and beverage options.

“I’m really excited about this,’’  said the motion mover, Councillor Michael Rees.

“They do Savannah Sounds here and Savannah in the Round up in the Tablelands at Mareeba. They run a really tight ship and they are lovely to work with and everyone loved the event.’’

Mayor Lisa Scomazzon also praised the event, saying it was really positive for the Shire.

“It was a really good event for everyone. I’m looking forward to the next three years.’’

Savannah Sounds is a feature event for the Port Douglas Carnivale and is aligned to the event's destination marketing objectives that aim to promote the region and encourage overnight stays.

Douglas Shire Council allocated $55,000 from the Carnivale budget to Sounds Australia to secure the 2025 event and about $6,300 in fees were waived as in-kind support for the use of Rex Smeal Park.

In a report to council, it was said the event presented a diverse selection of musical talent from around Australia with well known headline acts featured each day.

“The tailor-made musical program appealed to a broad range of demographics and showcased the iconic location of Rex Smeal Park. This addition to the Carnivale was very well received by locals and visitors and viewed as a positive collaboration for the Carnivale,’’ the report says.

In its debut year, the event drew 3,200 attendees over the thee days and contributed to the 2025 Carnivale's gross economic stimulus of $5.3m.

Organisers ensured the festival integrated into the Carnivale program and contributed content for media campaigns and promotions as well as providing entertainment for other Carnivale events.

The proposal unanimously agreed to at Tuesday’s council meeting outlines a three-year agreement based on 1 year (2026) plus 2-year option (first right of refusal 2027 and 2028). This would provide long-term security for planning, grant funding and overall development, and is a commonsense approach for an event of this size and nature, stated the recommendations.