Savannah in the Round expected to announce international touring artist for next year
Organisers of Savannah in the Round are expected to announce an international touring artist for next year’s event.
Cairns
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IT was the big music festival that Covid could not stop – and next year Savannah in the Round is expected to reach new heights by luring an international artist to the Far North.
After 11,000 people enjoyed a packed weekend of live entertainment at Mareeba’s Kerribee Park, organisers believe the event can only grow as border restrictions ease in 2022.
Savannah in the Round event director James Dein said the target in future years was to put Mareeba and the Tablelands on the map.
“The end goal is to work through Cairns as the airport hub when international markets come back online and we see some normality to reschedule flight services and no disruption to borders,” Mr Dein said.
“We are very close and confident we will be announcing an international touring artist within months.”
Mr Dein said Mareeba had never seen an event like this and he was glad to persevere despite Covid disruptions.
“The economic impacts were already evident in the community with some lines and stock running low in supermarkets. It was no doubt that visitors to the festival have made their visit very much known to the community,” Mr Dein said.
Festival goers were also pleased with their weekend at the bustling site.
Colleen Tschumy, from Cairns, went with her granddaughter Teeya Zahner specifically to see Sheppard and were not disappointed.
Ms Tschumy said her granddaughter was still reeling from the performance because their energy did not disappoint.
“For her being able to sit there and listen to a group she listens to on the radio. It was a highlight for her it just made her day,” Ms Tschumy said.
“It is awesome to be able to go from one stage to the next to watch somebody you really wanted to and have so much variety all in one spot.”
Clive Charnley, from Mareeba, said he was proud an event like this could come to town.
“It has been a great atmosphere, people are friendly. It is a relaxing time to meet new people. We are ready to book for the next one,” Mr Charnley said.
Festival goers from this year were emailed a secret link on Sunday with a loyalty offer for the 2022 event to reward them for supporting the festival.
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Originally published as Savannah in the Round expected to announce international touring artist for next year
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