The 2013 Sunset in the Park kicks off on October 12, with event organiser Sam Cullen praising local businesses for supporting the homegrown music festival.

“These events are high-risk, dependent on thousands of music lovers to turn up on the day to cover costs and reinvestment into following years,” Mr Cullen said.

“Thanks to the initial investment by small business, the Sunset team is able to pay considerable marketing and insurance costs in advance.”  

Major Sponsor QT Port Douglas provided cash sponsorship and will host headline act Michael Stengel during the Port Douglas festival. As well, the singer will play QT’s Estilo Bar in an intimate acoustic session, at the official recovery party from 2pm, Sunday 13 October.

Long-time Sunset supporters are again onboard this year, including Dougies Backpackers Lodge owner Steve Yarr, Port Douglas Watersports owner Kalvin Brown, and Windswell Sports and Megstore’s Brett Wright.

This year, a major contribution has come from the region’s much-respected trade sector, in a demonstration of their support for the continued development and success of the grassroots community music event. They are Papillon Landscapes’ Pete Murphy, Geoff Ward Plumbing’s Geoff Ward, and Billy Quaid, owner of Mossman and Port Douglas Tree Loppers.

Plus, $1,000 worth of Cloud Nine Guitars will be given away on the day, and special arrangements with long time partners Michael Gabour - Radio Port Douglas, Scott Clarke-Smith - Uptown Rentals and Transpacific Waste Management are also in place.

Limited pre-sale tickets are available online and at Portfolio Production ticket outlets (Origin Cafe in Port Douglas and Goodies Cafe in Mossman).

Check out:

Sunset in the Park line up announced 

Exclusive interview and acoustic performance by Omid Master on Newsport Unplugged!

HOMEPAGE PIC: Pete Murphy, owner of Papillon Landscapes.