The countdown is over! The Ipswich Festival is here, showcasing nationally acclaimed artists, emerging local talents and highlighting the best of our cultural heritage. Presented over 11 exciting days, the festival incorporates a range of free community based and special interest events to theatre and ticketed programs.

Kick-starting the Festival is the awe-inspiring display of fireworks and laser show at Fire on the River. Synchronised to a pumping soundtrack, be watching from the upper level of Riverlink Shopping Centre or the Bradfield Bridge at 7pm on Thursday, May 4th!

Another crowd favourite is the Parade of Light on 6th May, when locals and visitors alike are treated to light inspired effigies, marching bands, street theatre, colourful costumes and more! But make sure to stick around once the parade is over otherwise you’ll miss the Heritage Bank Street Party where stage performances and meandering street theatre will captivate you along Brisbane Street and in d’Arcy Doyle Place.

Ipswich Festival Executive Chairman Paul Casos said the festival is a chance to really celebrate and acknowledge the prowess of the city’s artists. “This year’s Festival offers an exceptional program that celebrates the essence of our city’s culture, arts, history and theatre with over 50 events and exhibitions on show,” Mr Casos said.

“Celebrating one of our longest standing events, the Ipswich Art Awards features local and national artists, competing for total prize money and artist in residence packages in excess of $20,000. I invite you to explore the gallery exhibition as many of the featured artworks are available for purchase.”

Mr Casos also said the festival was also a chance to revel in Ipswich’s rich history.

“Ipswich is steeped with history,” Mr Casos said.

“Step back in time at Cooneana Heritage Centre on Saturday 13 May for ‘Stories from Ipswich’s Past’ or see ‘Ipswich in Miniature’, a display of miniature buildings recreated by the Ipswich Mini Crafters at the Ipswich Antique Centre.

“And there is no better experience than getting up close and personal with our local ghosts on the Ipswich Grammar School Ghost Tours and the Ipswich Cemetery Ghost Tours.”

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the Ipswich Festival continues to go from strength to strength, with this year being no exception.

“From celebrating our visual arts, the Ipswich Art Awards and InSitu to the Creative Kidz Big Day Out to the Mayor’s Festival Ball, there’s something for everyone,” Cr Pisasale said.

“A regular fixture of the festival is Unmasked.

I love to see the masks created each year from a new generation of school children who are invited to paint a mask within the theme of the festival.

“This year it is Ipswich’s Iconic Species.”

The Ipswich Festival truly caters to everybody, from cabaret fans to car enthusiasts, to soul music devotees and those wanting to indulge in the exotic delights of Global Fiesta, and of course, there’s plenty of events and spectacles for children and the young at heart.

Be sure to clear your calendar May 4th to May 14th, and discover why thousands of people enjoy the annual Ipswich Festival!

For more information, including an extensive look at the festival’s program, visit the website at www.ipswichfestival.com.au.