“See the action, feel the welcome, live the life” is the theme being embraced by the organising committee and the Charters Towers community for the upcoming 10 Days in the Towers festival taking place from April 21 to April 30.
Towers Festival & Events Association president Wendy Emerson said like any festival, plans need to be “refreshed each year”.
“With the support of the Charters Towers Regional Council (CTRC) our committee has worked hard to bring a fresh focus to this festival, so that it more broadly celebrates our towns’ culture and heritage,” Ms Emerson said.
“While we’ll still be celebrating our traditional events, like the Charters Towers Country Music Festival - which will reach its 40 year milestone in 2017, we also want to emphasise all the other things our community does well,” she said.
To cater for this the 2017 festival will include new attractions, such as a local art exhibition at the Don Roderick Gallery, a photographic exhibit highlighting the region featuring the work of talented Charters Towers locals Debbie Bray and David Black, a historical display at the Excelsior Library and a student art display.
Sports enthusiasts can attend the 4x4 Come and Try Day, take in the spectacle of the Dust n Gold Rodeo (which has been integrated festival schedule for the first time) or take part in the 18 hole competition at the Charters Towers Golf Club, among other activities.
For an entertaining Friday night head to the Courthouse Hotel to take in the final of the busking competition, with an overall prize of $500 as well as $200 and $300 for the junior and senior winners respectively, the contest is sure to be a thriller.
Ms Emerson said a new addition to the festival is the ‘10 Tastes of the Towers CBD Street Party’ which will feature amazing food, local entertainers and twilight shopping.
“Local food businesses have been invited to provide samples of their delicacies for the public to taste in an attempt to win the Golden Plate Trophy.”
She said for the first time Anzac Day will be incorporated into the festivals schedule with the Charters Towers RSL hosting a spit roast lunch, live entertainment and games of two up after the morning ceremonies. Family friendly events such as a tug-of-war, cricket and bowls.
“Residents have responded enthusiastically to the new approach, and we’re looking forward to attracting a wider audience to the festival.”
CTRC mayor Liz Schmidt said she’s excited to welcome all guests to the 2017 festival.
“Ten Days in the Towers is an integral event for our region and I’d like to thank you all for participating in the various activities that will be offered in our community,” Cr Schmidt said.