Childers is getting ready to host its biggest event of the year this Sunday, with hundreds of stallholders to line the street and plenty of fantastic entertainment set to wow the crowds at the Childers Festival.
From roving stilt walkers and bubble pirates to magicians, local singers, bands and even a stuntman or two, there will be plenty to see, do and dance to as part of the festivities for the annual event.
Here's your guide to Childers Festival entertainment:
Walisuma
Walisuma De Los Andes is a traditional South American band who perform the beautiful timeless music of the Andes Mountains. Their original and unique sounds have a wonderful quality that uplifts the spirit and brings about energy.
Ruby Mills
Ruby Mills is a vocalist with a natural gift for the blues, captivating audiences over the last 10 years throughout the East Coast of Australia. Originally a Bundaberg local, the real beginning was when she won the local Talent Quest in 2008 and from there began to forge her career in the music industry. Teaming up with friend and guitarist Dan Hardy, their acoustic set brings a warm feel to any room. Subtle listening with a strong jazz and blues vibe, the duo compliment each other with beautiful soulful tunes.
Matthew Munro
Bundaberg based singer-songwriter Matthew Munro was born to perform.
With a lifelong passion for music and song, his career has continued to gain speed since he released his debut single release ‘Sold My Soul’, in March 2020. A blend of old and new, Munro bares traces of the likes of Johnny Cash through to Dermot Kennedy. He has performed at some of Australia’s most prestigious country music events, including the Gympie Muster.
Jake and Elwood Blues Brothers Show
John Reid and Vincent Nowell have put on their dark shades, trilby hats and inch wide ties to bring you an evening of fun, music, blues and hilarity as the one and only Blues Brothers! Songs performed include Shake a Tail Feather, Everybody Needs Somebody, Jailhouse Rock, Gimme some Lovin, Rawhide, Mini the Moocher and Sweet Home Chicago.
Apollo Jackson
Performing both around the country and internationally, Australia’s Got Talent finalist Apollo Jackson has molded his unique style of magic over two decades, stunning audiences on both stage and screen, entertaining and collaborating with some of the world’s biggest brands through death defying performances.
Stuntman Joel Fenton
Circus stuntman Joel Fenton has been entertaining audiences all over the world for over 20 years with insane physical circus stunts, incredible magic and side splitting laughs. Watch out for flying chainsaws, knives, axes, toilets, raccoons and giant balloons in his comedy circus stunt show, suitable for the whole family.
Sambazzy Dance and Drumming Group
Sambazzy performers are the Sunshine Coast’s premier street-marching samba band, complete with beautiful samba dancers. They’ve preformed at the likes of the Big Pineapple festival and the Triffid in Brisbane, creating lasting, colourful memories for event attendees.
Danny Faifai from the Koi Boys
Danny Faifai born in Lower Hutt NZ and has been performing professionally from the age of 18. Moving to the Gold Coast, Australia in 1993 to further his career, he has since performed throughout Australia, NZ and around the world with his outstanding vocal ability and pure entertainment energy.
Swingin’ Martinis Show
See Johnny and Vinny swing their way through an array of classic tunes that will have you singing and dancing along at a cracking pace! The Swingin’ Martinis have entertained many audiences from across Australia and internationally. Their songs range from Frank Sinatra classics through to ABBA and Tom Jones. But make no mistake, this show is not just about a couple of guys who can sing well, it is also a classic comedy double act that has elements of contagious audience participation.
The Killer Queen Experience
The Killer Queen Experience has risen from a local Brisbane based Queen cover band to an international touring show and is Australia’s most sought after tribute act today. Killer Queen have taken their show to such places as the UK, Norway, Singapore, India and shared the bill with the likes of Jeff Beck, Foreigner, Journey, Twisted Sister, Thin Lizzy and Kelly Rowland. Their live show consists of all Queen’s Greatest Hits including: Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Somebody to Love, Radio Ga Ga, Another One Bites the Dust and select album tracks for the hardcore fans.
Butchulla Dancers
Young Butchulla people proudly and enthusiastically embrace their culture through language, dance and art to share experiences, passing them down to younger children.
Bubble Pirates
Shiver me timbers . . . here come the Bubble Pirates! These fun-loving scoundrels will lay claim to your greatest treasure . . . your inner child. The costumes themselves release thousands of small bubbles (10,000 per minute) while they create giant bubbles with special swords!
The Pacific Belles
With a unique vintage style, these ladies will take you on a trip down memory lane and have you jumping and jiving to 40’s and 50’s classics. Join Betty, Dot and Mabel as they sing classics such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, We’ll Meet Again and many more. Highlights for The Pacific Belles include ABC National TV and Radio, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Channel 10’s The Living Room.
Mr and Mrs White
This charming 1950’s couple brings delight to young and old. Their mime act will have you double-take when they visit the Childers Festival with wide eyes, amazed by the colourful world around them.
Stilt Walking
Nothing says Childers Festival like stilt walkers! Have your photo with the Rio Samba Stilt Walkers as they tower over the crowd.
Fire Dancing
Fiesta Creations will be stilt walking by day and fire dancing by night in true Childers Festival style. Festival goers can join in on the roving drumming jam, have your photo with the Rio samba stilt walkers and don’t miss the iconic fiesta fire feature show!
Childers Country Chaos Line Dancers
Childers Country Chaos formed in 2017 as a competition team for Childers Country Line Dancers. The team have represented Childers at The Australian Line Dance Championships and Queensland Line Dance Championships over the last four years, bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals. The
team ranges in age from 13 – 24,
majority of the girls are still at school.
Blazers Dragon Dance Team
The team have been performing in the Wide Bay area for eight years and are made up from youth members and leaders from the Bundaberg PCYC Blazers Group.
Madison Kat
Nine piece funk-soul band Madison Kat is a band unified by their passion for playing live music. Known for delivering an entertaining funk-infused live show of eclectic covers and original material, they have built a reputation around edgy live performance, thriving on the challenge of delivering an entertaining show each time they perform. Madison Kat are the life of any party and audiences are sure to have an
enjoyable night.
Fiesta Tropicale
The well toured trio “Fiesta Tropicale” and their famous band on wheels take their Latin and Caribbean sounds to the streets. Catch them roving the festival spreading their iconic Samba sounds.
Pub Rock Choir
Singing is good for the soul and Pub Rock Choir’s back to give us those feel-good vibes. Catch the group in front of the many watering holes and sing along to well known rock classics.
Colombian Dance Group
Their performances take audiences on a colourful journey as they showcase dances from different regions and eras, all in traditional costumes. Dances include romantic and peaceful Andean rhythms as well as energetic dances with heavy African influence, typical of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Colombia.
Ben Brady
Ben Brady is a solo blues artist determined to write and play only original music. He believes there is absolutely nothing better than wrapping your feelings up in a blues riff; whether you’re pouring your heart out on a street corner or screaming at a crowd through huge sound at a blues festival. He tries to deliver an honest message and inspire as many as he can.
Band of the 1st Regiment
Band of the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, are located in Brisbane at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera. The band delivers entertainment to the Army in barracks, on operations, and on special occasions, the public.
Know before you go
Childers Festival Day will kick off from 9am to 3.30pm on Sunday, 25 July with a number of free and priced parking options available.
ATMs will be available in the Churchill Street and a number of toilet facilities, including disabled amenities, will be located throughout the area.
Event-goers are reminded that there will be no pets allowed on the event site, except for assistance dogs, and a dog minding facility will be located at the Childers Showgrounds at a cost of $10.
Volunteers are being sought for the dog-minding service, which will operate between 9am and 3.30pm by Red Collar Rescue.
To find out more about the Childers Festival view the full program here.
ALL THE BEST FOR A HAPPY WEEKEND FROM AN OLD RESIDENT OF CORDALBA AND CHILDERS …… KEITH GARDNER