A welcome return for the Rangebow Festival!

The largest four-day festival in the Hinterland,The Rangebow Festival, returns from August 10-13, 2023, and tickets are on sale now!

The festival theme this year is Dream. Love. Live, and there will be experiences for everyone including: Indigenous culture, film, theatre, cabaret, opera, food, nature, drag, live music and creative workshops.

Festival Director, Wayne Parcell said “The Range communities embraced the festival in its 2022 debut with many sold-out events and more than 5000 festival goers.

“We listened to the feedback and have curated an even stronger and exciting cultural program for 2023 with more than 30 events, with some free or very affordable.

“As a not-for-profit festival we do everything we can to deliver unique experiences at the lowest possible cost. However, donations will enable us to do more!”

Wayne admitted the first Rangebow Festival was “a year of good solid labour” for him, and he was very grateful for the support of his team “and a tremendous group of volunteers who all made it possible”.

After the festival event, Wayne and his team went to community meetings and spoke to businesses, patrons, local groups and volunteers. “I said ‘would you like to have it again?’ and everyone said ‘yes please’. I asked for feedback on what was good, and what they would prefer.

“We held a workshop, where a project manager ran through all the feedback and we took it seriously. We are building on everything we learnt, understanding how we can amplify the festival’s message, and bringing new events.

“We are presenting some incredible, provocative theatre including two World Premieres: IAGO by Douglass Hackett, a modern re-telling of the story of Othello and Iago; and Kennedy Fox’s new play “In situ /ɪn ˈsɪtjuː/” – a new story about how our actions do affect others – no person is a an island. I’m incredibly excited about these plays!” Wayne said with a smile.

Plant & Party is another new event Wayne is happy to introduce. “We are inviting live music fans to plant a tree in a revegetation zone in Russell Family Park at Montville and then enjoy Rosa Mack, Thump and Band of Frequencies in the Grand Marquee at Montville.

“We also have Dreamland – Pyjama Dance Party, another new event produced by world acclaimed artistic company Big Fish-Little Fish, which invites families to get in their PJs and boogie.

“We are bringing back some of last year's favourite events with a new take including Forage Fire Feast, a First Nations gourmet and culture experience with award-winning Indigenous chef Aunty Dale Chapman.”

A very special highlight to the feast will be the extraordinary entertainment by Sean Choolburra, Australia’s godfather of Indigenous comedy. Sean is a charismatic, vibrant performer who weaves his blend of traditional dance, didgeridoo, story, knowledge and humour.

Add to this the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra, opera at The Chapel of Love, a Walk on the Wild Side at Obi Obi Creek, basket weaving with Aunty Bev, The Enchanted Garden, Tennis High Tea, Barefoot Bowling and a cabaret of After-dinner Mintz, plus the Drag Run-a-way Pageant, and The Odd Ball, dancing the night away with Drag stars!

Wayne added “Events are taking place in Mapleton, Flaxton, Montville, and Maleny, and we are running a shuttle bus service Saturday and Sunday from Landsborough Station to Maleny Showgrounds, Montville Sports and Recreation Ground and Mapleton Hall and Sportsground.

“So it’s even easier to come and join in the fun!

For more details, tickets and updates, visit: therangebowfestival.org