Anywhere Festival to take over Moreton Bay again in 2024

Published 22 September 2023

From tattoo parlours, wineries and beachside parks to breweries and cafés - for three weeks in May, indoor and outdoor spaces across City of Moreton Bay will come to life with Anywhere Festival bringing you performances anywhere but a theatre.

Following its resounding success in 2023, Council has invested in Anywhere Festival’s return to Moreton Bay in 2024, activating local spaces and expanding performing arts and entertainment experiences into communities in new ways.

Anywhere Festival will take place 9 - 26 May 2024. Expressions of interest for independent producers open 2 October and close 29 October 2023.

Mayor Peter Flannery said City of Moreton Bay is committed to supporting a thriving arts and cultural sector, creating community connections and a vibrant place to live.

“Not only does a festival like this provide incredible events to attend locally, but it brings our streets alive,” he said.

“Bringing dance, big bands, comedy, immersive installations, live music, musical theatre and much more, Anywhere Festival gives local performers great exposure, stimulates our local economy and creates memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

“In 2023, the festival entertained over 5,000 people and the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive.

“So you can mark 9-26 May, 2024 on the calendar - Anywhere Festival will be back!”

In 2023, City of Moreton Bay partnered with the not-for-profit Anywhere Festival to deliver 62 performances, including 35 free events. Ninety-seven percent of participants rated the festival four or more stars in 2023. And 81% of producers stated it would have ‘not been possible’ or ‘much more difficult’ to produce a performance like their Anywhere Festival offering, if not for Council’s support.

Performer Rebecca Wright said: "Participating in the Anywhere Festival allowed me to connect with other creative producers in the city, and I was inspired by following their journeys from inception to performance.

“I also loved the opportunity to both create and attend shows in venues that I may not have otherwise visited, creating a stronger sense of connection to the place I call home, and the realisation that we are so lucky to live within such a vibrant community."

Mayor Flannery said: “In 2023, 553 performers showcased their work at Anywhere Festival, with over ninety percent of them being Moreton Bay locals.”

“We activated unusual locations we never thought of as theatres - like parks, community halls and eateries - giving audiences the opportunity to explore our City and bringing new life to our places and spaces.

“Anywhere Festival delivered a program jam-packed with entertaining, quirky, and imaginative experiences and we look forward to its return in 2024.

“I encourage everyone in Moreton Bay to support our local performers, book tickets to see a show when they’re available, and make the most of the very reasonably priced entertainment.

“This is just one of hundreds of free or low-cost events Council puts on year-round through our Community Events, Arts and Culture, and Healthy Active Moreton programs - enlivening public places and strengthening placemaking, liveability and cultural tourism.

Anywhere Festival 2024 program of events will be available in March 2024. See Anywhere Moreton Bay - Anywhere Festival for updates or for more information.