From world motorised cooler championship racing to premier gourmet food festivals and international sporting events, Port Douglas will be on show as the official campaign for Carnivale 2015 gets underway.

Port Douglas Carnivale general manager Roy Weavers said the program for 2015 included more than 20 free and ticketed events across the 10 days, which will be held from May 22 to 31, 2015.

“We are really excited to unveil the program of events this year, which not only includes some much loved favourites, but also a number of new gourmet food events in addition to a health and well being festival on the second weekend,” he said.

Presenting what are set to become three signature events on the Carnivale calendar is Roux Blond Catering & Events with the Jansz Longest Lunch on May 22, Feast Port Douglas on May 23 and the Port Douglas Craft Beer and Cider Festival on Friday, May 29-30.

“We are excited Roux Blond will present these three unique, world class events, particularly the Jansz Longest Lunch, which will take on a new format this year at Rex Smeal Park.

“Guests will be greeted at the exclusive Jansz and oyster bar marquee before sitting back and settling in for the afternoon with a shared table banquet.”
Mr Weavers said the ‘long lunchers’ would then be able to make the most of the central location, moving onto the Macrossan Street Parade in the evening, before taking in the annual Beach Day on Saturday, May 23.

Building on last year’s tournament will be the Japanese Yabusame, with more than 5000 spectators expected on the beach to view the action.

“Yabusame is an incredible display of skill and showmanship and it made its Australian debut last year during Carnivale.

“This event continues to gain momentum with even more competitors coming from across the globe including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the US,” he added.

The opening weekend will close out with the World Motorised Cooler Championship on the Sunday, followed by a week of activities from arts and music to theatre and comedy.

“We are coming back to do it all again in 2015 and not only do we have cracker opening weekend, the second weekend of Carnivale festivities promises to be just as good – the hard part will be deciding what to do next.”

Mr Weavers said events such as the two-day Craft Beer and Cider Festival on May 29-30 and the Seafood Extravaganza on May 31 would also be a drawcard for “out of towners”.

“The Seafood Extravaganza has earned a reputation for offering the freshest and tastiest seafood dishes. Attracting crowds of around 4000 people on the day, we know it truly is one of the highlight events of Carnivale,” Mr Weavers said.

For a full line up of events, visit www.carnivale.com.au