What’s on at Savannah in the Round music festival at Mareeba

Despite some massive headline acts, the Savannah in the Round festival at Mareeba isn’t just about music - there’s also market stalls, food and artwork to enjoy.

A FAR North music festival, three years in the making, gets under way on Friday with a packed three-day-program to keep fans entertained.

Savannah in the Round director James Dein said the festival at Mareeba, which could not go ahead last year, would include a range of market stalls, food and artwork as well as a feast of live music.

“What we are trying to offer is a music festival with other elements, it’s not just about the music, it is about the experience,” Mr Dein said.

There is expected to be a range of 45 market stalls that will focus on local and homegrown manufactured products and indigenous artwork.

Getting in the spirit of Saturdays Savannah in the Round are Lara Maskell and Casey Mills. Picture: Brian Cassey

Indigenous artwork that will be at the festival include material from Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Santo Didgeridoo Yidinji Indigenous Art..

“The vibe of the festival has always been from the start to support and promote local industry,” Mr Dein said.

“We are in the year of Indigenous tourism and it was only fitting that we would have some nice art and activation pieces from the Indigenous art sector.”

The food is also expected to serve up more than classic festival fare, with a real emphasis on local produce.

Amy, George and Emma Sheppard will be performing at Savannah in the Round this weekend. Picture: Supplied

“We are trying to feature the paddock to plate and support the amazing region here. We’ve got familiar food and some unfamiliar food,” Mr Dein said.

A strong line-up of performers includes Sheppard, John Butler and Sneaky Sound System. Highlights on the opening day include Casey Barnes and the Wolfe Brothers.

Saturday’s main stage will be headlined by Lee Kernaghan and John Butler while Sunday’s entertainment wraps up with Adam Brand and James Blundell.

Mr Dein said there had been a lot of challenges involved with 23 artists needing to be replaced two weeks ago because of the pandemic

This year Mr Dein said there will be a lot of shade provided so that people won’t be standing in the sun watching music the whole day.

Savannah in the Round is on at Kerribee Park in Mareeba from Friday until Sunday.

Various ticket options are still available and can be found at www.savannahintheround.com.au

Lee Kernaghan will perform at Savannah in the Round.

FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS

Tents at the festival:

Campgrounds are offered adjacent to festival site.

Large powered and unpowered Camp Sites: 14m x 7m

Medium unpowered Camp Sites (family/quiet zone or groups zone): 7 m x 7m

Small unpowered Camp Sites (family/quiet zone or groups zone): 3.5m x 3.5m

Rent a Tent (for 2, 3 or 4 people): pre-constructed tents with or without comfort extras

Bell Tent Glamping (for 1 to 5 people): deluxe bell tents including linen, towels, mats, lighting, furnishings, welcome pack & more.

Other Accommodation:

Airbnbs

Resort style Lodging at Lake Tinaroo

What you need to know:

There will be a general store

Toilet/shower facilities

Camping armband gives access to shuttle bus between Kerribee Park and Mareeba Town Centre

Originally published as What’s on at Savannah in the Round music festival at Mareeba