Savannah to team up with Carnivale for one big party weekend
Showcase event
Running across three days from May 23-25, the Savannah Sounds Port Douglas program, presented by Douglas Shire Council and major sponsor Newsport, will kick off with a Friday night party, followed by a headline music event on Saturday, before wrapping up with a locals’ day on Sunday.
Savannah Sounds director James Dein said Savannah in the Round had been running in Mareeba for five years now, and this was the next step.
"The opportunity to run Savannah Sounds in Port Douglas was just too good really," he said.
"To be invited to be involved, and to take over Rex Smeal Park with amazing country, rock and pop music over a weekend, is just fantastic."
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the collaboration with Sound Australia was a great opportunity for Port Douglas Carnivale and the region.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the Sound Australia team to deliver this program in what we hope will become a Carnivale highlight for years to come,” she said.
“We know the success of Savannah in the Round, the quality of what they do, and the acts they attract, are a great fit for Carnivale and the future of event tourism in the region.
“Savannah in the Round has proven to be a major economic driver, generating over $9.4m in direct and incremental expenditure for Queensland in 2024.
“With the introduction of Savannah Sounds, Port Douglas Carnivale is set to benefit from the same high-quality music experience that draws visitors and boosts local economies.”
Newsport co-founder Sam Cullen said the company was proud to be associated with helping bring the successful Savannah in the Round team to Port Douglas.
"I praise the vision of Douglas Shire Council and its Carnivale team in securing the Sound Australia partnership," he said.
“Local residents are what makes Carnivale and we are looking forward to partnering with something they can call theirs for many years to come.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Savannah Sounds Port Douglas would give interstate visitors another exciting reason to visit Tropical North Queensland in May.
“This nationally visible event will reinforce the region’s back-in-business messaging to bring visitors to Port Douglas during the shoulder season when they can experience the festivities of Port Douglas Carnivale,” he said.
In 2024, Port Douglas Carnivale delivered a significant economic boost, generating more than $5.7m in direct and incremental expenditure across Queensland, with more than $5m spent in the Douglas Shire.
The event attracted strong intrastate and interstate visitation, reinforcing its value as a key tourism and economic driver for the region.
Savannah Sounds joins a packed Carnivale weekend, which includes The Longest Lunch at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, the iconic Street Parade, Beach Day and Maho Magic Bar, with more events to come.
For more information on Port Douglas Carnivale and to book tickets visit the website carnivale.com.au.
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