Extra funding for Carnivale
Extra funding for Carnivale
Wednesday November 26 2014, 4:30pm
Carnivale 2015 is set to get even bigger and better after the announcement of $35,000 in funding from Tourism Events Queensland (TEQ).
The funding will go mainly toward increased marketing with the goal of bringing in more domestic and international visitors to Port Douglas for the event, which is designed to kickstart the town’s tourism season in May.
Carnivale general manager Roy Weavers welcomed the increased funding, saying it indicated an understanding that Carnivale was no longer just a local-level event.
“TEQ has seen that we are moving into the realm of a global event as well as a successful community event,” he said.
“The focus now with this extra funding will be on bringing more out-of-towners in to see what we have on offer.”
Carnivale 2014 featured a redesigned structure of events, including the debut of the Japanese Yabusame horse archery displays on Four Mile Beach.
While this year’s Carnivale was considered a great success the increased cost of the extra events has put pressure on Mr Weavers to find additional sponsors, particularly in the private sector.
“This time the emphasis is on corporate sponsorship,” he said.
“Carnivale 2014 was considered by many to be the best yet - but we have to be able to cover the costs of everything we do.”
Carnivale 2015 will feature yet more redesigned and new features and events, including the ‘Avenue of the Arts’, which will transform Mowbray Street into an enchanting display of indigenous, traditional and Indigenous artwork, in addition to expanded Yabusame and Motor Esky racing events.
Negotiations are also underway with Roux Blond for a Craft Beer Festival event, which will aim not just to tickle the tastebuds of beer lovers but leave them with an increased knowledge of their favourite family of beverages.
Food, Wine and A Taste of Port has been rebranded into ‘Club Tropicana’ and moved to the first weekend of Carnivale 2015, while Palettes of Port on the Sugar Wharf will now be featured on the second Saturday to avoid clashing with daytime events.
Mr Weavers said next year’s Carnivale would be a success only with continued support.
“Port Douglas isn’t just about the reef and the rainforest but also about the people and there’s no better way to show that off than Carnivale,” he said.
“None of it can be possible, however, without the sponsors, supporters and volunteers, whose generosity makes it all possible.”
