Savannah in Round Festival returns with Brad Paisley, Vanessa Amorosi, Shannon Noll at Mareeba Rodeo Arena

A Far North festival that will bring International and Aussie acts to the region has announced what else it has in store before its return. Find out what it is.

A Far North festival that will bring international and Aussie acts to the region has unveiled its latest surprise in time for the long weekend.

Savannah in the Round will return this weekend with acts such as Brad Paisley, Vanessa Amorosi, Shannon Noll, The Badloves, The Waifs, Ross Wilson, Amy Sheppard and King Stingray.

But the most recent announcement is the festival’s way to showcase local vendors called the Tastes of Savannah.

Amy Sheppard will perform at Savannah in the Round. Picture: Supplied.

Rusty’s Markets favourite, Ma Der Thai will be at the festival, and for those chasing a local tipple there’ll be the Botanic Australis Gin Bar, Dirt Road Cocktail Bar and the Wolf Lane Bar.

“It’s a celebration of North Queensland produce paired with yummy north Queensland cocktails,” Mr Dein said.

But all eyes will be on the amazing talent on the weekend.

“We had always planned to introduce global singers and we were fortunate that our dates aligned with a multi-state national tour, which is half the battle,” he said.

“It is very exciting to have Brad Paisley.

Ross Wilson will perform at Savannah in the Round. Picture: Supplied.

“This year will see a 60 per cent increase in patronage over last year which is testament to the quality of the event.”

Badloves founding member Michael Spiby said he was excited to make his way back to Cairns after 24 years.

“I absolutely loved the place,” he said.

“I am a huge fan of the tropics, because I breathe better in the tropics and I sing better, it really agrees with me.”

Mr Spiby said the band will get to play a mixture of songs.

“We are doing some songs from the older catalogue from our first albums but we are pushing through with brand new material,” he said.

Melbourne band The Badloves members Michael Spiby and Jeff Conti will play at Savannah in the Round. Picture: David Caird

A range of events will be held over the long weekend.

On Sunday Hemingway’s Brewery will hold Oktoberfest celebrations all day.

While Flickerfest will hold their second round of screening on Saturday night at Cairns Botanical Gardens.

“Events like Savannah in the Round are vital for regional dispersal, encouraging visitors to venture further into a destination to discover its hidden attractions,” Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said.

Savannah in the Round will be held at the Mareeba Rodeo Arena from September 30 to October 2.

Bus shuttles will operate daily from Port Douglas and Cairns to the Tablelands.

Tickets can be found at savannahintheround.com.au

Originally published as Savannah in Round Festival returns with Brad Paisley, Vanessa Amorosi, Shannon Noll at Mareeba Rodeo Arena