The Queensland Music Trails adventure is set to continue all the way up to the state’s far north this October, and with Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival having reached full capacity, the Tropics Trail has added Shine On Gimuy to its itinerary.
Shine On Gimuy is a major new First Nations event, led by Indigenous Creative and Cultural Guides who will bring a stunning art display to the Cairns waterfront this October. It will be a multi-artform event illuminating the streets with light shows, soundscapes, art installations, programmed talked and music performances – all of which capturing 60,000 years of history, science, tradition, and untold stories.
“The Yidindji of Cairns host Shine On Gimuy, a new festival that is the illumination of ideas, knowledge, AND country,” Shine On Gimuy Creative Director Rhoda Roberts OA says.
“Staged on the Cairns Esplanade, highlighting the magnificent tree canopies with artworks by celebrated local artists Paul Bong and Michelle Yeatman leading to the events space on Cairns Waterfront where music, dance, stories reflect the philosophy of land, waterways and sky country.”
The artworks at Shine On Gimuy will be elevated by evocative soundscapes and will feature the language, stories, chants and songs which have culminated from the rich Indigenous oral history of the region. The event rounds out the musical road trip itinerary for the Tropics Trail, and offers road trippers, locals and punters alike the chance to experience an authentic connection to Indigenous culture as told by the local First Nations people.
One of the highlights is the Gimuy Art Story Walk, which will include installations of Shields and Swords, Fever of Stingrays, Saltwater, Blaktivation, Country Ceremony Opening Ceremony and The Blak Markets.
“The evidence shows us that there is a real desire for more authentic Indigenous cultural visitor experiences and events like Shine On Gimuy will help draw them to the far north,” Tourism Minister and Ministerial Champion for Yarrabah, Stirling Hinchliffe says.
"The sell-out success of the Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival tells us unique indigenous music and art performers are in demand while helping to build on Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s cultural tourism destination of choice.”
"The Tropics Trail provides a terrific opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s oldest living cultures while supporting good jobs and the local visitor economy.”
Shine On Gimuy takes place at Cairns Waterfront 5-15 October.
