The Ipswich Festival kicked off on Thursday, 7 April with a spectacular ‘Fire on the River’ event!

Fire on the River featureed an awe-inspiring kaleidoscope of pyrotechnic colours, laser lights and visual brilliance, all synchronised to a pumping soundtrack that thrilled the massive crowd that watched from every vantage point.

Now, what follows is 18 days of tremendous events and activities.

Some of the main events to look forward to include the much anticipated ’Global Fiesta’ on the 9th of April at Queen’s Park featuring food, music, workshops and live entertainment from cultures all over the world. It will be a real treat for those with a passion for food and new experiences.

‘Let the Organ Thunder’ at St. Pauls Anglican Church on Friday 8th April at 6.15pm will be a very special evening. Celebrating the restoration of the historic organ, the concert will be a unique experience combining the talents of three organists, the beautiful sounds of brass, percussion and a massed choir.

The art events this year are incredible, including the Swamp Juice shadow puppet performance at Ipswich Art Gallery and the much-loved Ipswich Art Awards, which include 200 artist submissions exhibited at St. Pauls Anglican Church Hall.

A new addition to Ipswich Festival is In-Situ Public Art. Eleven respected local artists were challenged to create Public Art pieces created from up-cycled and re-used material to be exhibited within various sites in Ipswich Central. Now, we challenge you to find them

And as always, there will be plenty to keep kids of all ages amused. On Saturday April 16th in the Ipswich City Mall there is a ‘Creative Kidz’ workshop, a fun packed interactive workshop including plaster painting, sand art, clay play, tie dyeing, music instrument making, orbital art, lantern making, crazy candles, necklace making, and lots more. This is something that the whole family can get involved in.

The Parade of Light is always a spectacular event. This year it’s themed around ‘Superheroes and Villains – Comic Book Adventures’, and everybody is encouraged to dress up, get involved and be a superhero or villain for the night. The parade starts at 6pm on Saturday 16th April and is filled with giant magical lanterns, classic cars, marching bands, community groups, dancers and festival characters.

The fun does not stop there, as the festival offers ticketed events that will rock, shock and transport you beyond the fourth wall.

‘Roald Dahl’s The Witches’ will be presented by 1987 Productions from the 8th to 23rd April at the Turnaround Theatre. Roald Dahl’s scariest book ‘The Witches’ is brought to life in a tremendously terrifying treat for the whole family.

‘The Fabulous Sounds of the Sixties’ at the Ipswich Civic Centre on Friday April 15 brings the Darren J Ray Band and the Love Bugs to Ipswich, performing the greatest hits and your favourite artists from the sixties. You can count on hearing the best of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Gene Pitney, Roy Orbison and The Mamas & The Papas.

A Dame, A Devil, and A Diva at Ipswich Civic Centre Thursday 21 April mixes three very naughty stars into one corrupt cabaret cocktail, starring Carita Farrer Spencer, Leigh Buchanan and Annie Lee.

Festival Concert ‘Superheroes’ 2016, presented by Ipswich City Orchestra and Mayor Paul Pisasale brings you orchestral scores covering eight centuries from blockbuster movies such as Superman, Batman, Robin Hood and Zorro. It will be an unforgettable evening as the sounds of Brass, Woodwind and Percussion sections combine to create an epic performance.

The Heritage Bank Street Concert is a Festival highlight, featuring Angie Narayan, A Band Called Twang, Tiger Street, street performers and HONK! is back with another sensational display of elite show cars, customs, classics, vintage vehicles and plenty of club cruisers.

A real highlight of the festival is the ‘Jazz, Wine and Blues’ event in Queens Park showcasing this country’s best jazz artists. Frankie J Holden, Wilbur Wilde and Freddy Strauks will rock your socks off. Why not relax, lay back, sip on some fine wine at the Capral Vineyard and enjoy the wonderful sounds of great Jazz grooves.

For details about each event please go to www.ipswichfestival.com.au where you will find a full itinerary of everything happening throughout the Festival.