Pip Miller PR

festival08_launchinvit
Find link to invitation here….

Festival Cairns 2008 will unveil its official program of events to media, friends and partners on Wednesday 6 August 08 at a special get together at Shangri-La….This event will be officiated by Councillor, Val Schier, Mayor of Cairns…..

Suprise entertainment, great food and brunch-time refreshments – plus full media kit for journalists interested in the event or any one of its aspects….

Contact me on 0419 681543 if you need further info – PIP

08fc-festival-cairns-partners-with-rydges-to-release-holiday-packages-july-08-prMEDIA INFORMATION Thursday 24 July 2008

GET UP NORTH & OUT THERE DURING SPRING WITH FIRST FESTIVAL CAIRNS PACKAGE

Spring is a simply sublime time to visit Cairns. The sun is out, the sky is blue and the city of Cairns has awakened to the beat of Festival Cairns. And now with the backing of seven vibrant events and status as Queensland’s largest community festival, Festival Cairns 2008, in conjunction with accommodation partner, Rydges Hotels and Resorts, is beckoning visitors from around Australia to experience all the fun and frivolity with the release of two special touring packages.

With a multitude of free and ticketed events spanning music, sport, food and wine, entertainment and the traditional finale favourite, Parade of Lights procession, Festival Cairns will roll out over 25 days between Wednesday 27 August and Saturday 20 September, 2008 – promising something for everyone.

To celebrate Festival Cairns 2008, visitors from around Australia are invited to get in on all the action with a special accommodation package from one of three Rydges Hotels and Resorts in Cairns – Rydges Esplanade Resort, Rydges Tradewinds Cairns and Rydges Plaza Cairns.

Packages start from just $111 per person (twin-share), per day including three night minimum stay in a standard room for two people, full day Kuranda Rainforestation Tour with BBQ lunch and return journey via Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and airport transfers.

With the added inclusion of a full day outer reef tour, a five night package is also on offer for just $133 per person (twin-share), per day.

Festival Cairns manager, Narell Black said she is delighted to package the event for the first time in 2008.

“Over the past seven years, Festival Cairns has dramatically evolved and this year comes of age with a series of new innovations that include its holiday packaging.

“If you are planning a getaway in the next few months, why not make it to Cairns in August or September. Spring has sprung and Festival Cairns is on. Highlights on this year’s event calendar are too long to list but include Food, Wine and All That Jazz, Ergon Energy’s Busking Festival (5-20 September), Reggaetown 2008, Father’s Day favourite, Carnival on Collins, Cairns Amateurs Spring Racing Carnival and finale spectacular, Parade of Lights procession along the waterfront on Saturday 20 September,” said Mrs Black.

Festival Cairns package bookings can be made direct with Banora International Group on tel: 0416 248 180 or email: info@edrec.com

Festival Cairns 2008 will run from Wednesday 27 August to Saturday 20 September, 2008.

For further information about Festival Cairns 2008, click on www.festivalcairns.com.au or contact management company, Events Cairns on tel: 07 4051 0222 / email: info@eventscairns.com

Ends

For all publicity enquiries, contact:

Pip Miller
Pip Miller PR
Ph: (07) 4032 4400
Mob: 0419 681 543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Internet: www.festivalcairns.com.au

Note: images and press releases are available on request.

09-fc-festival-cairns-rotary-duck-race-ticket-sales-at-show-july-08-prMEDIA INFORMATION Monday 14 July 2008

THE CALANNA ROTARY DUCK RACE

TICKET SALES COMMENCE THIS WEEK AT CAIRNS SHOW
- Wed 16, Thursday 17, Friday 18, July 2008 -

On you ducks, get set, go! Ticket sales for this year’s Calanna Rotary Duck race will begin this week at Cairns Show.

This event, which will once again raise money for Harald’s House in 2008, is one of Festival Cairns’ most popular events – drawing crowds to witness up to 10,000 plastic ducks racing their little hearts out on the Esplanade Lagoon. As per tradition, this event will take place at 4pm on Saturday, 20 September 2008 as part of Festival Cairns’ finale celebrations.

According to duck race organiser, Sally Dixon, the Calanna Rotary Duck race has been held over the past four years – raising over $100 000 for charities.

The tickets are $5 and from this week, will be available for purchase from Cairns Show (watch out for the roving duck), any ANZ branch in the Cairns area or Calanna Pharmacy. There are four prizes up for grabs including a $10,000 spa and a trip to New Zealand for four people.

This year’s duck race has been greatly expanded to feature an afternoon program of duck related events beginning with a ‘blessing of the ducks’ and traditional Aboriginal dance.

“In conjunction with this year’s duck race, we are also hosting “Harcourts Crikey-Catch-a-Croc Spectacular” with all children welcome to enter. There will be a limit number of crocs. Children will have the opportunity to fish one of these crocs out of the lagoon to win a stunt bike,” said Sally.

The entry fee for “Harcourts Crikey-Catch-a-Croc Spectacular” is $10. Entry forms will be available from Harcourts or on the day. This event will be held at 1pm at the Lagoon.

The duck themed events continue with a first in 2008 – the “Myer Fashion Parade”. Models will strut their stuff down at duck headquarters on the Esplanade Lagoon – wearing the latest swimwear fashion from Myer. This will be immediately followed by a more tongue-in-cheek event, “Myer Fashion on the Duck Field” held at 2.00pm. This event is open to all who wish to dress up in their finest “Duck” costume to win $500 shopping spree from Myer. Entry to this event is $10.

And finally, there will be a celebrity duck race which is being kept under wraps. This event is based on four celebrity ducks being auctioned – which are then required to swim to the half way line.

In addition to the afternoon duck program, there will be plenty of things to do for the whole family on Festival Cairns finale day.

Festival Cairns 2008 will run from Wednesday 27 August to Saturday 20 September, 2008.

For further information about Festival Cairns 2008, click on www.festivalcairns.com.au or contact management company, Events Cairns on tel: 07 4051 0222 / email: info@eventscairns.com

Ends

For all publicity enquiries, contact:

Pip Miller
Pip Miller PR
Ph: (07) 4032 4400
Mob: 0419 681 543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Internet: www.festivalcairns.com.au

07fc-festival-cairns-ergon-energy-busking-festival-july-08-prMEDIA INFORMATION Wednesday 23 July 2008

ERGON ENERGY ADDS A LIVELY BEAT TO CITY STREETS WITH BUSKING FESTIVAL
Picture: Alfred & Seymour – The Blackstreet Boyz from US will perform live on the streets of Cairns during Festival Cairns 2008

This September, Festival Cairns will add a lively beat to city streets with news today Ergon Energy will present the region’s first ever busking competition culminating in a three day finale spectacular of international acts.

In essence, Ergon Energy Busking Festival is all about enlivening the streets of Cairns with all types of music and street performance.

Staged in the two key pitches (locations) of City Place and the Esplanade from Thursday 4 September to Saturday 20 September, the program of street entertainment incorporates an Open Busking Competition for amateur performers of all ages and a three day program of four international acts that include such street headliners as world-class crazy break-dancing comedians from the US, Black Street Boys, New York based pogo stick tricksters, The Pogo Dudes, quirky unicyclist jugglers with hilarious ladder antics from New Zealand, Motley 2 and cocky Irish magician and illusionist, Patrick McCullagh.

Ergon Energy’s corporate communications manager (far north), Gaylene Whenmouth said they are proud to get behind this new and exciting event that is all about introducing colour, movement and music to the streets of Cairns.

“We look forward to doing our bit to bring Cairns alive with street theatre that is bound to draw and delight crowds as talented musicians and buskers know how,” she said.

For amateur buskers, the Open Busking Competition is an opportunity to win $1000 in prize money for a small entry fee of just $20 (permit included). There will be four heats held at City Place with judges selecting the best of the best based on content, performance and audience response.

The lucky amateur finalists will perform on the Esplanade stage and battle it out for the best local busker as well as the cash prize. This grand final judging will take place on Friday 19 September (4-6pm) – prior to finale day – and the winner will be determined by a panel of professional street performers as well as Cairns Regional Council and Ergon Energy panellists.

Registrations for the Open Busking Competition are being taken now. Contact Claudette on tel: 07 4044 3715 or email name, age, contact details and act description to c.bartos@cairns.qld.gov.au. For more information, visit www.cairnsesplanade.com.au

With regards to the professional element of the festival, each of the four visiting professionals will perform six shows over Festival Cairns’ three final days on Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 September. These performances of between 40 and 50 minutes duration will take place at both key pitches – City Place and the Esplanade – and be programmed in such a way that people can get to see each and every act.

Capping off a truly entertaining and cultural program on finale day, the Cairns community will be invited to enjoy a simultaneous performance featuring all professional buskers and amateur finalists as a highlight of the Parade of Lights procession along the esplanade.

According to Mrs Whenmouth, each international act has been carefully selected for its ability to work in a variety of situations and experience in working a crowd.

Festival Cairns 2008 will run from Wednesday 27 August to Saturday 20 September, 2008.

For further information about Festival Cairns 2008, click on www.festivalcairns.com.au or contact management company, Events Cairns on tel: 07 4051 0222 / email: info@eventscairns.com

Ends

For further information on Ergon Energy’s Busking Festival, contact:

Melinda Norris,
Ergon Energy’s Busking Festival Event Manager
Bright Black AV
Ph: (07) 4057 5544
Mob: 0400 798 425
Email: melinda@brightblackav.com.au

Claudette Bartos
Registrations and information for Open Amateur Busking Competition
Cairns Regional Council
Ph: (07) 4044 3715
Email: c.bartos@cairns.qld.gov.au.
Internet: www.cairnsesplanade.com.au

Gaylene Whenmouth
Corporate Communications Manager (Far North)
Ergon Energy
Ph: (07) 4080 4891
Mob: 0418 502 891
Email: gaylene.whenmouth@ergon.com.au

For all publicity enquiries, contact:
Pip Miller
Pip Miller PR
Ph: (07) 4032 4400
Mob: 0419 681 543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au Internet: www.festivalcairns.com.au
Note: Images available on request and supporting info document available on request.

On Friday night we were thoroughly entertained at the opening night of JUTE (Just Us Theatre Ensemble’s) new play, Tiptoe.

Featuring a wonderful cast (including JUTE’s creative director, Suellen Maunder and Carol Burns of Prisoner cell block h fame), this was a joyous piece of theatre. And definitely a gothic tale by Cairns playwright, Michael Beresford…and before I stop crowing, must acknowledge the talent of Dominie Hooper who created the set – a masterful, multi-dimensional creation – to be admire.

To anyone who reads this blog, mes amies – would strongly recommend you get along to JUTE before the season ends on Saturday 19 July 2008.

MEDIA INFORMATION Wednesday 2 July 08

KATCHAFIRE TO HEADLINE REGGAE FESTIVAL
12 noon to 11pm, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Saturday 6 September, 2008

Cairns, Tropical North Queensland.. Australia’s premier Roots Reggae event, Reggaetown Festival, introduces a new brand of groove when it takes place on Saturday 6 September 2008 at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. This year’s event features the sweet and saucy rhythms and harmonies of New Zealand’s stand out Reggae ambassadors, Katchafire , the Mana Maori Music Men.

According to Reggaetown’s event manager, Mickie Sellton of The Roots Music Agency, they have secured a coup with Katachafire – renowned for creating arguably the best Reggae in Oceania.

“Katchafire’s albums and 2008 tours, that include dates in Hawaii and the United States, are spreading the love and Reggae message far and wide. We are fortunate to have them in our line up, they are our favourite Mana Maori Music Men who will perform two shows in Southport on their way north,” said Mickie.

Since its humble beginnings in 1995, Reggaetown Festival (Formerly Kuranda Reggae Fest) has become an important and anticipated part of the region’s cultural ecology and landscape as well as a well loved icon on Australia’s festival calendar.

In past years Reggaetown Festival has been listed alongside Womad and Bluesfest as one of the top gigs of the year in Rhythms Magazine. The event has hosted names like Mad Professor(UK) , OYABA (AFRICA),Jah Mason(JAMAICA), Blue King Brown, Cornerstone Roots and many more national, local and indigenous bands.

Culminating in the attendance of 2500 festival goers in 2007, Mickie says the success is based on a dynamic formula: soulful music, relaxing tropical surroundings and delicious food. Some good company helps too, bring your own or make new friends there!

“For Reggaetown, 2007 was a watershed year. I was lucky enough to be selected to attend John Butler’s (JBSEED) Music Manager’s Forum and was successful in my application for a Queensland Events’ Regional Development grant that will be fundamental to the staging of this year’s fixture.

“What Reggaetown offers people is a vibrant experience that captures the true spirit of the Tropics. The event is adored by fans worldwide for its special ability to engage and bring people together.

“Reggaetown spreads the messages of “one love”, “respect” and “who feels it knows it,” said Mickie.

Reggaetown 2008 is a key event on the Festival Cairns 2008 official program. For information, www.festivalcairns.com.au

Tickets for all shows on sale 25 June :

Cairns
www.Ticketlink.com.au
Tastey records – Grafton St Cairns
Brothers World of Entertainment www.brotherscairns.com.au

More…/2

Southport Katchafire shows
Thursday 4th September and Friday 5th September
With Support Act Kingfisha
Tickets from Southport RSL 07 555 24200 or www.southportrsl.com.au

For further information, images , interviews , radio jingles and detailed artist information, please contact:

Cairns – Mickie Sellton
The Roots Music Agency
Skype: reggaemickie
Mob: 0416037275
Email mickie@reggaetown.com.au
Web: www.reggaetown.com.au

For Artist information, check out :

Web: www.myspace.com/reggaetownfestivalaustralia
Blog: www.rastainoz.com.au PLUS Bebo.com and Facebook.com

More information about Reggaetown Festival 2008
Festival goers are encouraged to come early and stay until late – taking their time to enjoy the eclectic mix of music, bands, artists, djs and roving performers, cafes and garden bars, kids activities and workshops in music, dance and drafts, market stalls from all over the world and a few surprises .

First Round – Artist Line Up

KATCHAFIRE : www.katchfire.co.nz
JAH MASON : www.jahmason.net
DEEJAY TICKLES : MYSPACE.COM/DJTICKELZ
IMPOSSIBLE ODDS : WWW.MYSPACE.COM/IMPOSSIBLEODDS
SARITAH : www.myspace.com/saritah
KOBYA : www.carlospanguana.com.au/
KINGFISHA:MYSPACE.COM/KINGFISHAMUSIC
DIRECT INFLUENCE: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DIRECTINFLUENCE
ANCIENT INSTINCTS : WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ASTROBRIM
Poetikool justice : www.myspace.com/poetikooljustice
TORTTRIBE : www.myspace.com/torttribe
PATCHUP
DUBAZ
THE DC BAND
More BIG Artists to be announced….

yummymummy

This is one fashion spread I am particularly proud of, pregnancy fashion – featuring the gorgeous Caroline Mudge in full bloom….click on link to view.