• Steve Morgan and Bob Turner promoting the 4 Islands Festival
The inaugural 4 Islands Festival is to be held on, around and about our islands from August 1-9.
The Festival is the concept of the Sandy Beach Sailing and Kayak Club with the management of The Bay Islands Events, www. thebayislandsgetaway.com
The driving forceS behind the event are two well-known island personalities Steve Morgan and Bob Turner.
The event has come about through the success of previous events, the Australia Day Regatta and the Bay Islander of the Year Awards staged by the Sandy Beach Sailing Club.
“We think it is time our islands have a festival that can not only entertain and interest islanders, but also serve to attract visitors to our island group,” Steve Morgan said.
A considerable amount of planning has gone into the event with support and sponsors coming from a number of sectors.
Redland City Council is one of the first to support the event with a major sponsorship .
Bob Turner says the intent is for the 4 Islands Festival to become an annual event.“ The vision is the Event will be a platform to get visitors over to the Islands and see for themselves the true beauty of the Islands and the lifestyle that is on offer,” he told The Friendly Bay Islander. " We hope to highlight the waters of the Bay through Sailing, and the Arts through Sculpture and Photography."
The Festival will be a stage for the Quandamooka People to have a voice and exhibit their culture with the Quandamooka Festival also being held at this time.
Saturday August 1, The opening ceremony will be held at the Tingara Boat Club, Macleay Island , 6pm, with the Quandamooka Dancers performing and Elders sharing Dream ing stories.
Together with the Lions Club, a market day will be held at the Macleay Island Community Arts Inc . There will be Live Music and more, whilst down at the Macleay Jetty ' Notorious ' an authentic replica of a 15th century Caravel craft will be moored both Saturday and Sunday for visitation and inspection .
Sunday August 2 will be Dress as a Pirate Day, with prizes given to best boy and girl pirate, at the Macleay Jetty 10am.
Also just across on Karragarra Island a sailing event involving the Sandy Beach, Tingira and Karragarra yacht clubs and several mainland clubs will finish at the famous Karragarra Beach around 1pm with food, entertainment and dancing by the Quandamooka Dancers on the beach , ice sculpture, markets,music and more.
Friday August 7, the 'My Island Home' Photo Competition will be judged at the Russell Island Bowls Club from 6pm, with music, food and drinks.
Saturday August 8 , The attention will fall on Lamb Island, with a Market Day and Live Music at the Lamb Island Kiosk.
Sunday, August 9 ,Russell Island will also get to Dress like a Pirate day at Jock Kennedy Park with markets, live music and pirate fun!
Right throughout the week Outside Sculpture will be on display on the 4 Islands.
The Festival will conclude at Jock Kennedy Park Russell Island with a special closing ceremony.
Steve Morgan and Bob Turner hope the 4 Islands Festival is embraced by the entire Island Community.
“This is a starting point and, hopefully, we can build on it over the coming years,” Steve Morgan said.
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