Celebrating Redcliffe Festival in September 2011

Published 22 March 2011

One of South East Queensland’s premier festival events is set to celebrate the evolution of a seaside icon in 2011.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor, Allan Sutherland, said Redcliffe’s traditional First Settlement Festival was changing to become the Celebrate Redcliffe Festival in recognition of both the peninsula’s past and future.

“Over time, the festival has grown from the traditional re-enactment of the landing of Queensland’s first European settlement into a carnival style celebration of Redcliffe, including the high-octane thrills of the Super Boat Grand Prix,” Mayor Sutherland said.

“With construction work expected to finish later this year on the once-in-a-generation rejuvenation of the iconic Seaside Village Precinct, there’s a growing view Redcliffe’s signature festival should embrace the peninsula’s past as well as its future.”

The Mayor said there had been public feedback on the name change and consultation with indigenous leaders.

“It’s been highlighted by indigenous leaders that the festival’s original name didn’t recognise aboriginal people as the original inhabitants of Redcliffe,” Mayor Sutherland said.

“Council has listened to the feedback and has started work on building a fresh and inclusive celebration of Redcliffe in 2011.

“The name might be changing, but the re-enactment of John Oxley’s landing, the Super Boat Grand Prix and a weekend of great family entertainment will remain very much an integral part of Redcliffe’s annual signature event.

“It’s the perfect way to rediscover one of South East Queensland’s great seaside locations.”

The Celebrating Redcliffe Festival will be held on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, 2011.