THRIVE Festival brings ocean magic to Toowoomba's Empire Theatre

This September kids across the Darling Downs will dive into the depths of the ocean and harness their creative spirits at the THRIVE Festival. Find out what’s on:

The Empire Theatre's 2024 THRIVE Festival. Photo: Matt Byrne

Toowoomba’s THRIVE Festival will take kids on a journey into a world under water to explore the creatures below the surface.

The Empire Theatre has partnered with C&K Childcare and Kindergarten for the annual festival offering activities for everyone from infants to 12 year olds.

C&K regional manager Jo Darbyshire said this year’s theme will take kids into the depths of the ocean to teach them about conservation.

“It’s an opportunity for children to understand the importance of connecting and protecting environments,” she said.

“We understand the importance of the early years and we’d like to have an opportunity to promote really good quality experiences for children and their families.”

The Empire Theatre's 2024 THRIVE Festival. Photo: Jake Lodder

Ms Darbyshire said events like THRIVE were really important for early development especially in a world of technology.

“We’re seeing that perhaps the chance for children to learn in a hands-on way is limited by technology,” she said.

“It’s that hands-on learning that children need.

“They’re not going to learn what it’s like to touch, to feel, to smell, to hear via a screen.”

The festival will feature some ticketed events including Sea of Light, Dr Hubble’s Bubbles, One Remarkable Reef, The Hunt for the Empire, and more.
Activities such as the interactive marine display, Storytime under the Magnolia, a Surviving and Thriving Trail, and more are offered for free.

THRIVE Festival will run from September 25 to 28.

Tickets can be bought at empiretheatre.com.au.

Originally published as THRIVE Festival brings ocean magic to Toowoomba's Empire Theatre