Riverfire now set to start Brisbane Festival
Brisbane’s annual fire-on-the-water extravaganza has a new name this year, but that’s not the only big change afoot.
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Brisbane Festival will start starts with a bang this year when Riverfire returns to ignite the skies on Saturday, September 3.
The pyrotechnic extravaganza usually comes at the end of the festival but artistic director Louise Bezzina said it would now herald the start of 23 days of “wonder, delight and celebration”
“After years as its finale event we wanted to let everyone know that the festival was on,” Ms Bezzina said.
“What better way to start and celebrate. In past years some people have come to Riverfire only to find that the festival had finished.
“I’ve been thinking about that and changing it to start the festival and finally the moment has come to make that a reality. And there’s no school holiday conflict this way with people away and missing the event.
“As we share this exciting news about Riverfire moving to the start of the Festival, I acknowledge these are bittersweet times – the beloved Brisbane River that binds this city and community is currently tearing it apart with heartache and grief. The river has always been a gathering place and central to Brisbane Festival’s celebrations.
“We will bring joy to the river once again as Riverfire opens Brisbane Festival 2022 with a bang.”
The free, all-ages spectacular also debuts a new name – Riverfire, by Australian Retirement Trust – following the merger of past presenting partner Sunsuper with QSuper.
Bernard Reilly, CEO of Australian Retirement Trust said Sunsuper played a major role in bringing Riverfire to the Brisbane community, a responsibility Australian Retirement Trust plans to continue into the future.
“Sunsuper has been involved with Brisbane Festival for 14 years and the proud sponsor of Riverfire for more than a decade,” Mr Reilly said.
“With the merger of Sunsuper and QSuper to become Australian Retirement Trust, our support for this wonderful community celebration will continue for the 2022 event.”
Ms Bezzina said she was thrilled that the longstanding partnership with Sunsuper will continue as Riverfire, by Australian Retirement Trust.
“Riverfire has been beloved by families for generations and we thank Australian Retirement Trust for continuing to support this spectacular event, presented in association with Channel 9 and Triple M,” she said.
“Moving Riverfire to the start of the Festival and out of the busy school holiday period will also give Brisbane families a greater opportunity to enjoy the most dazzling night of the year.”
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said Queensland’s much-loved Riverfire would be the perfect
way to launch the sparkle and spectacle of Brisbane Festival 2022.
“This year’s Festival promises three weeks of exhilarating and eclectic arts experiences and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the 2022 festival program,” Ms Enoch said.
“The 2021 festival employed more than 1100 local artists, showcased 43 Queensland arts
companies and commissioned 17 new works.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner strongly backed the decision to bring forward the date of Brisbane’s famous fireworks display.
“For many Brisbane families, the September school holidays is the ideal time for a getaway before the final term,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Unfortunately, that’s meant some people have had to choose between a holiday and attending
one of the most spectacular events on Brisbane’s calendar.
“Bringing Riverfire forward will mean families can do both, which will help this fantastic event go from strength to strength and benefit local businesses, retailers and restaurants.”
Australian company Foti Fireworks will once again design and deliver Riverfire, by Australian
Retirement Trust, firing more than two tonnes of pyrotechnics from bridges, barges and city rooftops along the Brisbane River.
The explosive festival opening display will be broadcast live on Channel 9 and its soundtrack
simulcast on Triple M for people unable to view the heavenly display in person.
Ms Bezzina said a huge celebration was planned for closing weekend, book-ending the 23-day
festival with blockbuster events.
“Our closing week program is under wraps for now but I know Brisbane will be very excited by what we’ve planned.”
Brisbane Festival runs from September 2 – 24.
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