Dragons danced and fireworks lit up the sky as 56 floars rolled through Cairns for the annual Grand Parade

A kilometre-long stretch of Cairns' Esplanade transformed into a festival of colour as thousands gathered for the city's biggest cultural celebration of the year.

Trevor Garvey leads the dragon dancers down the Esplanade in the Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc (CADCAI) display in the Cairns Festival grand parade, held along the Cairns Esplanade. Picture: Brendan Radke

More than 10,000 people lined the kilometre-long Esplanade to watch the Cairns Festival Grand Parade burst into colour, music and movement on Saturday night.

About 56 floats rolled through the city in a spectacular showcase of culture, creativity and community spirit. Starting at 5.30pm, the family-friendly event wrapped up just after 7.30pm, delivering two hours of non-stop entertainment.

Bradley Kiangali rides atop the Papua New Guinea and Wantoks Association float in the Cairns Festival grand parade, held along the Cairns Esplanade. Picture: Brendan Radke

The procession featured everything from Chinese dragon dancers weaving through the crowds to energetic cheerleaders, elegant belly dancers and vibrant marching bands. Families waved flags and cheered as dancers passed by, each one a nod to Cairns’ tropical lifestyle, multiculturalism and heritage.

Organisers promised a technicolour explosion of floats, puppets and fireworks – and they delivered.

Sally Strang leads the Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc (CADCAI) dancers down the Esplanade in the Cairns Festival grand parade, held along the Cairns Esplanade. Picture: Brendan Radke

Which-Way Cultural & Community Care called it a “great night,” writing: “Best organised chaos ever in our float. Lots of lessons learnt and big ideas coming.”

Locals took to social media to share their favourite moments. Rachel Willey wrote: “Loved the crowd support last night.”

People line the Esplanade lagoon to watch the Canvas of Cairns light and water show at the Cairns Festival, held along the Cairns Esplanade. Picture: Brendan Radke

Maria Dalziel, who returned for the first time in 20 years, agreed: “What a treat it was. The parade was vibrant, diverse and full of energy, with crowds that were just as enthusiastic and welcoming.”

People enjoy the Bubble Emporium bubble show at the Cairns Festival, held along the Cairns Esplanade. Picture: Brendan Radke

Fireworks lit up the night sky to close the parade, drawing gasps from the crowd and capping off an evening of festive fun.

The Grand Parade is just one part of Cairns Festival, which continues with live music, art, theatre and family entertainment across the city until the festival concludes on September 7.

Originally published as Dragons danced and fireworks lit up the sky as 56 floars rolled through Cairns for the annual Grand Parade