Festival is ready to set sail

Redcliffe Festival of Sails is back and COVID Safe in 2021.

The beloved foreshore festival, which traditionally kicks-off the Easter long weekend, was sadly first on the chopping block for event cancellations in 2020.

In egg-citing news, it is returning on April 2 from 9am to 4pm at the Suttons Beach foreshore.

The event team is working closely with Queensland Health to deliver the festival and, with patron safety top priority this year, Redcliffe Festival of Sails will be delivered under a COVID-Safe event plan.

There will be a few changes in the spirit of safety and all patrons will be required to scan in using a QR code for contract tracing purposes.

Program packed with fun

The program will still feature three stages of live music and entertainment, more than 100 market stalls, a visit from the Easter Bunny, Pop-up Ice Cream Fair, sand sculpting workshops, the Sesame Lane Easter Egg Hunt and, best of all, a perfect view of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) Chairman Shane Newcombe says families missed out on the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race last year and are looking forward to the iconic race this year.

“We encourage everyone to join us at Suttons Beach in Redcliffe and view the amazing vessels as they sail past the Peninsula,” Mr Newcombe says.

“And make sure the kids get involved in the Sesame Lane Easter Egg Hunt, which is free and engaging fun for all.”

Children will need to register for the Sesame Lane Easter Egg Hunt, with the first 500 guaranteed a spot. They will be given a map and have until 1pm to find as many eggs as they can.

“With over a 100 market stalls returning this year, it is important to support the small business owners this year more than ever. Market stallholders were hit hard last year. Sadly, some small businesses just didn’t make it through. The Event team have worked tirelessly on the market layout, which has been carefully crafted to include all elements of COVID Safety.”

Sweet tooths will find their happy place in the Pop-up Ice Cream Fair offering gourmet treats, ice cream sandwiches, soft serve and gelato. Grab an ice cream treat before wandering around the festival and viewing the ocean-themed sand sculptor by award-winning artist Dennis Massoud and joining in his free workshops on the beach.

Be part of the action

Mayor Peter Flannery says every family in South East Queensland should set their compasses to Suttons Beach for an Easter egg-stravagenza.

“Gone are the socially-distanced indoor egg hunts of 2020 — we’re bringing the Easter spirit back with a bang for Redcliffe Festival of Sails,” he says.

“All of your favourite activities are back, including the Pop-up Ice Cream Fair, sculpture display, Sesame Lane Easter Egg Hunt, hundreds of seaside markets and so much live entertainment we have to share it across three stages.

“Plus, you’ll have the best seat in the house to see all the on-water action of the 73rd annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

“For bayside businesses, this kind of activity is the best kind of Easter eggcitement, especially in bringing the party vibe back to Moreton Bay Region.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off your long weekend than a day at the beach, so make sure you mark your calendar, plan you trip and bring the whole family to join in the fun.”

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free event park-and-ride service with shuttle buses operating between 8.30am to 5pm from Redcliffe Showgrounds and Kippa-Ring Station.

For the full program and times, head to redcliffefestivalofsails.com.au

Redcliffe Festival of Sails is proudly brought to you by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) and supported by strategic event partner Moreton Bay Regional Council.

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