Shine On Gimuy is an immersive First Nations and Bama led multi-arts light festival, led by Artistic Director—creative arts and festivals pioneer—Rhoda Roberts AO.
Held along the glistening foreshore of tropical Gimuy/Cairns, Queensland, our 2024 festival will bring the nights to life from 3-13 October, on the Esplanade and at the Salt House Festival Hub.
Hosted by the Gimuy Wulubara Yidinji Nation—on their unceded homelands—Shine On Gimuy festival is a celebration of all forms of First Nations storytelling, showcasing innovative arts, musical and cultural practices.
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Message from the Queensland Government
Welcome to Shine On Gimuy. It is a powerful platform for showcasing local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander stories through a diverse range of musicians, storytellers, artists and performers, helping to establish the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region as a leading destination for First Nations cultural tourism.
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Program + Line-Up
Shine On Gimuy is thrilled to announce our full line-up of performance artists. They will bring the nights to life at Salt House Festival Hub (from Friday 4 - Sunday 6 October), in a celebration of First Nations cultures, song and voices. Take a look through our Program 2024 and plan your weekend with Shine On Gimuy!
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Giveaway Prize Package
In a special giveaway prize package, one lucky Full Event Pass (18+) ticket purchaser will be selected at random to receive an immersive Shine On Gimuy 2024 prize package! Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Tropical North Queensland when you visit Gimuy/Cairns!
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Calling Country Ceremony
Thursday 3 October
FREE
Eastern Events Lawn (Esplanade)
General Public encouraged to assemble from 5:30pm to secure best viewing position -
Artstory Light Walk
Thursday 3 October - Sunday 13 October
FREE
Gimuy Boulevard
(Eastern Event Lawn, Esplanade)
5pm - 10pm nightly -
Music Makers (live performances)
Friday 4 October - Sunday 6 October
TICKETED (FESTIVAL PASS)
Salt House Festival Hub
3pm - 10pm daily/nightly
Individual session times vary -
Unplugged (Open Mic)
An open mic opportunity for local performers.
Friday 4 October - Sunday 6 October
TICKETED (FESTIVAL PASS)
Salt House Festival Hub
3pm - 5pm daily
Individual session times vary -
Deep Wisdom Conversations
Riveting conversations with First Nations leaders.
Saturday 5 October - Sunday 6 October
TICKETED (FESTIVAL PASS)
Salt House Festival Hub
1:00pm - 4:30pm daily
Individual session times vary -
Youth Circus with Circa Cairns
Circa Cairns is a leading First Nations-led organisation in contemporary circus and acrobatics. Young people will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in all manner of techniques, skills and tricks! These workshops will be accessible—there’s something for everyone.
Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 October
FREE
Eastern Events Lawn (Esplanade)
10am-1pm daily -
Dream Aloud (concert)
A world-class concert of the best First Nations artists, inclduing Baker Boy and King Stringray. Celebrate all things First Nations music in a festival setting unique to the tropics!
Saturday 5 October
TICKETED
Munro Martin Parklands
12pm - late
Presented in partnership with QMF -
QMUSIC Music Maker Workshop
In partnership with QMUSIC, QMF and Patrick Mau, Shine On Gimuy festival presents an in-depth workshop, for emerging talent to learn from industry leaders and become career-ready
Friday 4 October
FREE
Salt House Festival Hub
9am - 4:30pm -
Blak Markets
Thursday 3 October - Sunday 6 October
FREE
Gimuy Boulevard
(Eastern Events Lawn, Esplanade)
3pm - 9pm daily/nightly -
Theme: ENTWINED
The theme for Shine On Gimuy Festival 2024 is ENTWINED — reflective of the intricacies and interwoven kiships, stories, Lore, and customs which connect all First Nations people.
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Cultural Guides Committee
Our expert Cultural Guides Committee advises on all activities, operations and programming of Shine On Gimuy Festival.
Experience Art + Culture + Country
