Brisbane Festival kicks off with a BANG in 2022, when festival favourite Riverfire returns to ignite the city skies this September.
The event will now herald the beginning of the festival, the beginning of 23 days of wonder, delight and celebration. . . On 3 September. This marks a shift from Riverfire usually signifying the finale of Brisbane Festival.
“As we share this exciting news about Riverfire moving to the start of the festival, I acknowledge these are bittersweet times – the beloved Brisbane River that binds this city and community is currently tearing it apart with heartache and grief,” Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina says. “The river has always been a gathering place and central to Brisbane Festival’s celebrations. We will bring joy to the river once again as Riverfire opens Brisbane Festival 2022 with a bang on Saturday 3 September.”
It also marks the first time in more than a decade that the event changes its name – from Sunsuper Riverfire to Riverfire, by Australian Retirement Trust.
“Sunsuper has been involved with Brisbane Festival for 14 years and the proud sponsor of Riverfire for more than a decade,” Australian Retirement Trust CEO Bernard Reilly says.
“With the merger of Sunsuper and QSuper to become Australian Retirement Trust, our support for this wonderful community celebration will continue for the 2022 event.
“Riverfire is renowned for uniting and engaging Brisbane in celebration of our wonderful river city and we can’t wait for Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust, which promises to be a spectacular night for Brisbane, as it always is!”
The move to the beginning of the festival will also ensure it’s out of the busy school holiday period – giving Brisbane families a greater opportunity to enjoy the dazzling event.
Regarding Brisbane Festival itself, Minister For The Arts Leeanne Enoch says Riverfire is the perfect way to launch the annual event.
“This year’s festival promises three weeks of exhilarating and eclectic arts experiences and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the 2022 Festival programme,” Minister Enoch says.
“The Queensland Government invests in Brisbane Festival each year to showcase Queensland companies, support employment for local artists, boost our cultural tourism and unite the city in a celebration of art and culture.”
Riverfire, by Australian Retirement Trust takes place on 3 September. Brisbane Festival 2022 runs from 2-24 September.
