POPULAR ISLAND SEAMARKET EVENT SPREADING ITS WINGS
The Redlands Coast Islands Festival including the iconic Karragarra Sea Market is set for a major expansion financed by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
The Southern Moreton Bay Islands Chamber of Commerce has been granted $31,218 to expand the annual four-day Redlands Coast Islands Festival into a cross-island event.
“This is fantastic news for all islanders,” said Andrew Laming MP, the Federal Member for Bowman, which includes the Southern Moreton Bay islands including Karragarra Island.
“Unfortunately, the Festival was cancelled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant restrictions.
“But when the event returns, it will be bigger and better than ever.”
Celebrating the idyllic beauty of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, the Karragarra Sea
Market is the signature event of the newly formed Redlands Coast Islands Festival held over the Queen’s birthday long weekend.
The Sea Market showcases SMBI artists and musicians and features artisan market stalls, speakers, children’s activities, displays and workshops.
The Redlands Coast Islands Festival will present a program of cultural events and experiences built around the Sea Market, addressing core themes of nature, arts, community and sustainability.
The Festival Management Committee is currently examining what form the Redlands Coast Islands Festival will take.
“We are in the early stage of discussions,” explained Shirley Lindsay, Sea Market Coordinator.
“We may spread the festival over a number of weekends, to avoid any logistical issues such as overcrowding the ferry services.
“And we will also consult with other arts organisations across the islands to see who is keen to come on board.”
Dr Laming says he can’t wait for the Karragarra Sea Market to return as soon as possible.
“This is the perfect example of what the BBRF grants are for,” Dr Laming added.
“Events such as the Redlands Coast Islands Festival and Karragarra Sea Market help all islanders by attracting visitors to the area and bringing in a welcome financial boost.
“If we can spread this windfall across more days and multiple islands the benefit to all will be even greater.”
: Shirley Lindsay and Andrew Laming MP discuss the Sea Market Festival.
