Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies to return in May 2024

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Published
21st November 2023

Flinders Shire Council is delighted to officially announce the highly anticipated return of the Festival of Outback Skies in Hughenden from 3-5 May 2024, following the resounding success of this year’s event.

The 2024 program offers a wide range of activities and entertainment for all ages, with a highlight being an extended Rodeo program on Friday 3 May, headlined by one of Australia's leading country music stars, Amber Lawrence.

The festival will once again be held across two precincts in Hughenden – the Showgrounds and the Hughenden Recreational Lake.

The schedule for the festival includes:

  • Friday 3 May – rodeo and live music
  • Saturday 4 May – arts and cultural workshops, and Dinner Under the Stars
  • Sunday 5 May – lakeside fun, raft race, artesian markets, lantern parade, star gazing and much more!

Flinders Shire Council Mayor Jane McNamara said next year's festival promises to be bigger and better, with a program that caters to a diverse audience.

“The festival celebrates the lifestyle and interests of our region, and the opportunity to create and participate in events under our big, endless outback skies,” she said.

The festival will feature performances by other talented music artists such as Hayley Jensen, Duncan Toombs, and Dan Thompson, providing an incredible opportunity for festival goers in a stunning bush setting.

“We are also honoured to host Queensland Opera, who will be performing lakeside on the final night of the event,” said Cr McNamara.

In addition to the musical offerings, the festival will host a variety of arts and cultural workshops, designed to showcase the incredible creative talent in the Flinders Shire.

One of the festival's most eagerly anticipated events is the Dinner Under the Stars, featuring a delectable three-course meal and lively music to dance the night away under the Shire’s majestic outback skies.

The essence of the festival will once again be showcased with the Lantern Parade. Everyone is invited to participate and showcase their creativity by making lanterns and designing their raft. 

This year’s festival offers a wide array of other free events, such as yoga sessions, BBQ demonstrations, a Sunday session by the lake, and a star-gazing experience, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the culture and natural beauty of the region.

Tickets for all paid events, including the rodeo, Dinner Under the Stars, and sunrise tours, will be available from 1 December. Art Workshop tickets will be available in February 2024.

Cr McNamara expressed her excitement for the second running of the festival.

“Hughenden and the Flinders Shire have so much to offer, and we can't wait to share this extraordinary experience with our local residents and visitors from across Queensland and Australia."

The 2024 Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

For more information on the Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies, visit the festival website at https://festivalofoutbackskies.com.au, or like/follow the festival on social media:

Flinders Shire Council is delighted to officially announce the highly anticipated return of the Festival of Outback Skies in Hughenden from 3-5 May 2024, following the resounding success of this year’s event.

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