There’s a unique British humour, and it’s emblemised in Roger Michell’s final film ‘The Duke’. Michell - who died last September - managed to see his film screened just a handful of times to audiences, happily to rave reviews.  

Now with its theatrical release, his swan song is still raking in those plaudits.

Actor Jim Broadbent stars in Michell’s adaptation of the true story of taxi driver Kempton Bunton, who ‘borrowed’ Francisco De Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington in 1961. It remains the only theft from the National Gallery, and it was done for all the right reasons. Sending ransom notes to the British Police, Kempton promised the portrait’s return on condition that the government invested more in care for the elderly.

Broadbent is a familiar face in British cinema, and his partnership with Hellen Mirren – who plays his loyal wife, Dorothy - in The Duke is the heart of the film. The duo are magnificent, lending the story dignity, whilst balancing it with humour and charm that manages to deftly avoid oversentimentality.

“You couldn’t invent such a ridiculous tale. If you presented it as fiction, you’d never get away with it,” Jim Broadbent said of the film in an interview with The Guardian.

It took 50 years for Kempton’s full story to emerge - and the only truth was that he was a good man, determined to change the world and save his marriage - how and why he used the Duke to achieve that makes for a wonderfully uplifting cinema experience that opens up like a flower. Its quirky, kind and absolutely true.

The Duke (M) is coming to the Bowen Summergarden Cinema on Saturday, May 28.

Jim Broadbent and Hellen Mirren in ‘The Duke’

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Friday 13 May

Paxton’s Night Markets

Friday, 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Paxton's Night Market is a unique shopping experience with quality stalls, live music, and food.

10 River Street, Mackay

Friday Jazz @the Con

Friday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

CQCM Music Staff present Friday Jazz @the Con featuring Saxophone and TV legend - Wilbur Wilde, alongside music staff Dr David Reaston (Guitar), Dr Peter McKenzie (Saxophone) & Jason Smyth-Tomkins (Drums).

Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Saturday 14 May

Jayco Mackay Italian Street Party

Saturday, 3:00pm to 9:00pm

Bring little Italy to Mackay City Centre. Everything Italian - performers, dancers, food, and Italian cars! Wood Street will come alive from 3pm - 9pm hosting the best of Italy in our very own Mackay.

Wood Street, Mackay

Ca$h for Tricks

Saturday, 4:00pm to 7:00pm

FUN freestyle competition for wakeboarders of all ages and levels. Free entry for riders, free event for spectators. Two laps, show us your best tricks.

Wake House Australia

Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball 2022

Saturday, 6:30pm

Saturday night fever will take over the MECC as the prestigious Mackay Mayor's Charity Ball returns. Amazing auction items and prizes are up for grabs, with funds raised going to the Ronald McDonald Charity House North Australia and HeartKids.

MECC Plenary Halls

Latin Roots Night - with an Italian Flavour!

Saturday, 9:00pm to 12:00am

Keep the Italian party going! Hotel Mackay hosts the 3rd Latin Night party. The atmosphere will be electric, make sure you don't miss this Latin Night with an Italian Flavour!

Hotel Mackay

Sunday 15 May

Parentmedic North Qld Baby/Child First Aid

Sunday, 8:00am to 10:00am

Belly2babes is holding Baby/Child First Aid education for Parents, Grandparents and Carers of young children. In your two hour Baby + Child First Aid session learn about: Infant CPR, Choking, Fevers, Rashes, Allergies & Anaphylaxis, Poisons, Burns, Head Injuries and more!

Belly2babes

Mackay Volunteer Expo 2022

Sunday, 10:00am

The Mackay Volunteers Expo is an event designed to promote local volunteering opportunities while also acknowledging and celebrating the valuable contribution volunteers make to our community. Volunteering can benefit you both personally and professionally with increased social connection, on the job training, learning new skills and improving self-esteem and confidence.

Mackay Showgrounds

Jazz in the Park

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Staff and students from the Bachelor of Music course present "Jazz in the Park" on Sunday 15th May from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Queens Park Iconic Shelter on the corner of Goldsmith St and East Gordon St. Free event. Bring a picnic. BYO chairs.

Queens Park Shelter on the corner of Goldsmith Street & East Gordon Street

Sunday Live Music

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday Session @ Sails on the Marina

Sunday, 4:30pm

Live and awesome - end your week on a high with a traditional Mackay Sunday Session at Sails.

Sails Sports Bar

Monday 16 May

Full Moon Yoga

Monday, 6:30pm

Yoga truly does have to be experienced, so do what feels appropriate to do without worrying over much. Booking is essential via text, email, or inbox due to limited space. Yoga class is $10 for the hour. Bring towel, water & yoga mat (if you have one).

Eimeo Esplanade

Tuesday 17 May

Social Media for Indigenous Businesses

Tuesday, 8:30am to 10:00am

Building sustainable local Indigenous businesses for the future, Trading Tracks is an exciting new program that aims to enhance economic participation of locally based small-to-medium Indigenous businesses. This will be open to small-to-medium indigenous businesses based in the regions of Central Highlands, Isaac, Mackay, and Woorabinda region.

Resource Centre of Excellence

Wednesday 18 May

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Thursday 19 May

Mackay Musical Comedy Players present ‘Shrek The Musical’

Thursday, 8:00pm, Friday, 8:00pm, Saturday, 2:00pm and 8:00pm

Based on the oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure that brings all the beloved characters you know to life onstage.Book your tickets online at the MECC.

MECC Auditorium

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Last time the beautiful and bodacious Lisa Hunt performed on the Bar Top Stage at ‘The Pub’, the soulstress tore down the roof with her ‘Forever Soul’ Show.

Her undoubted stage presence was what lured the enormous crowd to the hotel last time, the impressive songstress’ voice attracting people from near and far.

Audiences at The Airlie Beach Hotel on that night could hardly forget when she took the place by storm, and the now Byron Bay-based singer will be returning to treat the seaside town again on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May.

With her Forever Soul show back and better than ever at ‘The Pub’, Hunt is bringing with her Motown music and soul, as well as funk rhythm and blues for the completely free outing.

A singer in the great African American tradition of gospel music, Hunt emerged as a soul sensation in the 80s and has kept the music pumping all that time.

With a background in studying music at The City College of New York, Hunt was a soulstress made in the Big Apple, but it’s her natural vocals that set her apart from the rest.

A storied career featuring numerous compilations around the globe, both as singer and songwriter, she’s sold more than a million records as of 2015.

When she headed to the continent, she became an absolute sensation in Italy – a place of powerful musical heritage, seeping with strong voices.

She featured as a vocalist on tour and recordings of Zucchero Sugar Fornaciari for almost a decade and has worked with a range of artist from Pavarotti To Ray Charles – talk about a resume!

She’s shared the stage with the greats like Eric Clapton, James Brown, and even Andrea Bocelli, and now she’s at your favourite local, and the crowds are going to be loving it.

There are few places in town to get a meal and a show, especially one of this calibre – so book your tables for the Airlie Beach Hotel and experience soul, sister.

Soulstress Lisa Hunt performed one of the best ever shows at The Pub last year, and now she’s back

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The Northman

There’s an undoubted stylistic rhythm to all of director Robert Eggers films, and this time it’s no different. Voracious greed and visceral violence are the brushes his newest outing ‘The Northman’ is painted in.

And it is a surprisingly beautiful colour.

An adaptation of story ‘Amleth’, a medieval Scandinavian legend which formed the basis for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Northman follows Amleth on the quest to avenge his father’s murder by removing his despot uncle from power and in turn save his mother. Brilliant performances and masterful directing make this the must see of the year.

The Northman (MA15) is due to open Saturday, 21 May at Bowen’s Summergarden Cinema.

Top Gun: Maverick

If you were to put two photographs of Tom Cruise together, one from the first ‘Top Gun’ and the other its 2022 sequel ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ next to one another, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference. Certainly, you would hardly know that more than 30 years have passed since Maverick first flew onto screens in 1986.

There’s going to be a whole new audience introduced to the engine blasting thrill ride of Top Gun, a film so ubiquitous in the American psyche it was preserved in the National Film registry by the US Library of Congress – presumably until the end of time.

Cruise’s performance in the revival of the, now-franchise, thirty years on is a parallel to his character. Maverick and Cruise are where they belong: pushing the envelope – Cruise as an actor turning 60 who continually performs his own stunts, and Maverick as a courageous test pilot dodging the advancement in rank that would see him grounded for good.

There are plenty of familiar faces, familiar theme tunes, and this bombastic action flick manages to roll back the years in style, all with a smooth landing.

Top Gun: Maverick (M) is due to Open Friday, 27 May at Bowen’s Summergarden Cinema.

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Friday 6 May

Free Guided Walk - Flower Trail

Friday, 10:00am to 11:30am

Bring your Mum to a special walk where we discover some of the delightful flowers in our special Botanic Gardens. Many are small and white, others are boldly coloured but all have a story to tell. Maya will be your guide for this walk. To book your spot, phone the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Saturday 7 May

Kids Art Club: Saturday art classes Term 2

Saturday, 10:00am

If you’re 8 to 12 years old and love making art, Kids Art Club, Artspace Mackay’s ongoing term-based Saturday art program is just for you! Local artist Traci Lietzke will deliver Kids Art Club Term 2, a rich six-week program of creative art for kids. Each week our young participants explore and respond to the exhibitions on show at Artspace Mackay through fun-filled art activities. They learn new techniques and make art with all kinds of exciting creative art materials.

Artspace Mackay

Roosters vs Titans | NRL Round 9

Saturday, 5:30pm

NRL action returns to BB Print Stadium when the Sydney Roosters take on the Gold Coast Titans at BB Print Stadium on Saturday 7 May. Secure your tickets now to see some of the biggest names in rugby league go head-to-head in the only NRL Telstra Premiership match to be played in Mackay in 2022.

BB Print Stadium

Speakeasy Cocktail Party with Out Of Abingdon

Saturday, 6:30pm

Join the Sugar City Art Deco & Modernism Society to celebrate Mackay’s rich history of Art Deco and Modernism influence with a Speakeasy Cocktail Party. Come dressed in your best 1920s-1930s speakeasy attire.

Kitten Vintage Mackay

Katanak - 'Weigh Down' Regional Tour

Saturday, 7:00pm

Katanak is bringing his ‘Weigh Down’ Regional Queensland Tour to Hotel Mackay, Mackay’s iconic live music venue, and is being joined by local heavyweights Systematic Machine and Red Viridian for an originals music night.

Hotel Mackay

Camerata – Classical Reimagined

Saturday and Sunday, 7:30pm to 8:45pm

Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra presents a program of beloved and joyous classical music alongside a new Australian work in a performance that the whole family will enjoy. Classical Reimagined will feature timeless classical masterpieces by Mozart and Tchaikovsky in stunning new interpretations, along with a brand-new composition by Camerata’s Emerging Composer-in-Residence, Alexander Voltz, and special guests from the Mackay Choral Society.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Karaoke Under The Stars @ Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Saturday, 8:00pm

Karaoke Under The Stars - first Saturday of every month at Northern Beaches Bowls Club to supply some entertainment for you, so start tuning up your vocals & getting your song lists ready so you can Karaoke the night out.

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

50 Years On – Queen Bohemian Rhapsody

Saturday, from 7.30pm

Fresh off the heels of the successful Bohemian Rhapsody movie comes the world’s premier Queen tribute experience from internationally renowned Freddie Mercury tribute artist, Thomas Crane with his all-star band. Known for their stage presence, flamboyance, theatrics and energy, these traits will be brought to the stage in a rendition of a Queen live experience. Don’t miss out! Book online at www.themecc.com.au.

MECC Auditorium

Sunday 8 May

Mother’s Day Events

Mother's Day at the Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday, 8:00am to 8:00pm

Seabreeze Hotel

Mother's Day

Sunday, 8:00am to 1:00pm

The Surf Club Mackay

Mother's Day

Sunday, 8:00am

The Austral Hotel

Mother's Day Breakfast

Sunday, 8:30am to 10:30am

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

Mother's Day Breakfast 2022

Sunday, 9:00am to 10:30am

Shamrock Hotel Mackay

Mother's Day at Souths

Sunday, 9:00am to 8:00pm

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

WAS P&F Mother’s Day High Tea

Sunday, 11:00am

Ocean International

Mother's Day at the Burb

Sunday, 12:00pm to 8:00pm

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Mother’s Day Buffet Breakfast

Sunday, 8am to 11am

Treat mum to a delicious full buffet breakfast at the Botanic Gardens Café overlooking the lagoon, including eggs/salmon benedict and fresh baked croissants and pastries.

Botanic Gardens Cafe

Mackay Photography Group Beginners and Composition

Sunday, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Mackay Photography Group will go through basic yet essential camera settings to have control of the results you'd like to achieve from your images. Why? If we have a camera, we should attempt to make better images than what our phones can give us.

Bucasia Beach Mackay

Tuesday 10 May

Mackay Monthly Ecstatic Dance with Christopher David

Tuesday, 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Ecstatic Dance is about learning to let go, to be you, to not fight the feelings. Ecstatic dance is a powerful technique for self-healing that takes you out of your head and into your heart.

Imagine a combination of a transcendental meditation and an empowering workout. Effortlessly release stress, trauma, and negativity just by listening to the rhythm of your body, your emotions, and your spirit. (Prepare to be blown away by some world music).

Glenella Hall

Wednesday 11 May

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Thursday 12 May

Speed Date The Collection

Thursday, 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Join us for a very special edition of Speed Date The Collection where we bring you in for a closer look at winning works of the 2022 Libris Awards! Our informal Speed date the Collection night is an opportunity for the community to ‘meet’ artists’ books from the collection in an enjoyable way. Participants have one-on-one interactions with the help of a trained presenter, then move on to the next artists’ book. Free to attend but bookings are essential.

Artspace Mackay

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That’s Amore! Mackay will transform into a ‘Little Italy’ across Wood Street and Victoria Street next Saturday as it celebrates the return of the annual Italian Street Party – Molto Bene!

The showcase of Italian food and entertainment for the Sugar City community which began in 2017 when members of the Mackay and District Italian Association created the inaugural event is finally back.

The annual event regularly hosted upwards of 10,000 in Mackay’s city centre precinct before it was forced into a two-year hiatus from 2020, with this year its much awaited return.

It’s going to be a full day of Italian Culture: from an Italian Car Show to beautiful operatic music and pasta eating competitions spread across the 3.00pm to 9.00pm event.

The Operatic singer Paul Tabone will headline – having studied music in Mackay at University - as well as local artist Viva, Kathleen Campbell, Aspire Performing Arts and everyone’s favourites, Domenico and the Latin Mafia.

There’ll be plenty of cuisine courtesy of the amazing street vendors – each with an Italian twist - as well as the local restaurants and bars that flank the street ready to serve.

There’s sure to be entertainment with traditional Italian folk dancing, free kids rides and jumping castles, as well as face painting and balloon twisting.

Just the one caveat for those coming along: make sure you’re all dressed up in Italian red, white and green.

Event Coordinator, Colleen Rose said the beauty of the street party is that there’s something for everyone.

“The vision always was to provide a free event with a lot of great entertainment and activities for adults and children, with of course, lots of amazing Italian food on offer,” Ms Rose said.

“Everyone can watch a great show and be immersed in music, culture and atmosphere.”

Ms Rose said, with this her first year on the committee, she had to give plaudits to the amazing group who kept their spirits high during the two-year break.

“That committee is amazing, every year when they’ve been cancelled, they’ve kept their hopes and kept going,” Ms Rose.

“They’ve been ready to go and they’re unbelievably excited.”

“They’re so passionate about the culture and the heritage. It’s been so beautiful hearing their stories on why they moved to Mackay.”

Ms Rose said it's going to be bigger, better, and even more Italian, with some new acts like the contemporary Ballet from Creative Company Z and the old favourites like Domenico and the Latin Mafia.

“But I have to thank the Mackay Council for their sponsorship this year and also Jayco Mackay too!” Ms Rose said.

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Is everybody in? The Ceremony is about to begin: a mesmerising tribute to the eclectic and provocative music and poetry of Jim Morrison and the Doors is breaking on through to The Airlie Beach Hotel’s bar top stage on May 21.

The energy, mayhem and psychedelia of the late 60s are well and truly alive in the vessel one of Australia’s most authentic tribute shows, ‘Unlocking The Doors’.

In the first of two nights of performances, Unlocking the Doors take a psychedelic trip through the 50 years since the release of the band’s first album, all for free at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

In one of the best tribute shows in the country, they’ll take The Pub back in time to when ‘The Lizard King’ ruled, all the while lighting the fire in the heart of a new wave of listeners.

Led by Rich – aka Jim – this tribute band formed in Wollongong have travelled across the country, amassing a growing legion of fans and critical acclaim.

Rich, a long-time devotee of The Doors, delivers a heartfelt performance in channelling the mystical command once held by the man at the iconic heart of the band.

“We like to show people how brilliant The Doors were and how intoxicating Jim Morrison was on stage,” Rich said.

Each member expertly reproduces the unique Doors sound: Sandy on organ and keyboard bass holds the key to reproducing the authentic live sound of Ray Manzarek

Mick draws on his classical guitar and rock background to play his Gibson SG standard in finger-picking style to emulate Robbie Krieger’s beautiful legato tone.

And completing the line-up on drums is Lee, who unlocks John Densmore’s original style, providing the backbeat so vital when paying tribute to their catalogue of classics.

On Sunday, the band will back up the performances by recapturing the vitality of six famed performers: Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Cream, Jefferson Airplane, and Jimi Hendrix.

You won’t want to miss the performance as Brazen Lyres in the Psychedelic Rock Show.

Afternoon sessions will run 2pm – 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday free at The Pub.

Tribute band Unlocking The Doors will be riding on the storm to the Airlie Beach Hotel this month

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Downton Abbey: A New Era

The Downton Abbey franchise - built on country-manor snobbery and titillating familial drama – is back and doesn’t disappoint as the Crawley’s return for a grand journey to the South of France. On the Riviera, they’re seeking to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa.

All the while back home, Hollywood has come to town, seeking to shoot a riotous film in exchange for a princely sum.

Downton now has seven seasons and two movies under its belt. Its characters have been all over the shop, and the melodrama of it all has astoundingly held up all that time. All the toffs and their servants are back - Maggie Smith’s Violet Crawley chief among them.

There’s an inherent, undeniable charm to this installation of the Downton mythos, which Julian Fellowes’ has once again deftly penned. It’s a fabulously frocked outing that will have you laughing along at its foppish and British nature.

Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG) arrives at the Summergarden Cinema next weekend.

Everything Everywhere All At Once

Let me enlighten you: an interdimensional rupture has unravelled reality.

Don’t look around. You won’t see it. An unlikely hero is being tasked with channelling her newfound powers to fight the bizarre and bewildering dangers bursting from that rupture, and in turn the multiverse – and she’s doing it all for you.

In Daniel Kwan and Dainel Scheinert’s Everything Everywhere All At Once, Michelle Yeoh is that unlikely hero. In her role as Evelyn Wang, a Chinese American immigrant and laundromat owner, she is the last hope for all existence in this metaphysical martial arts caper.

Soon swept up in the insane adventure, she explores other universes, connecting with the lives she could have led. There are surprises galore in Everything Everywhere: it’s audaciously funny and absurd, but balances all of it with poignant tenderness.

Everything Everywhere All At Once (MA) is coming to the Summergarden Cinema soon.

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Opening night has been steadily approaching for the Proserpine State High School student directors, stagehands, and performers of the Seagrass Theatre and Music Company’s Night of Plays.

The troupe have been eagerly preparing for a night of nights not to be missed where the student-run Seagrass Theatre Company will showcase two performances: Dorothy Hewett's Song of the Seals and Angela Betziens Children of the Black Skirt.

Song of Seals, directed by Year 11 student Kaley Gilbert, follows the tale of the orphaned Willow, who lives amongst mystical creatures struggling to defend their home of Mystery Bay from Marlin Prawn and his 'One Big Deal.'

In Angela Betziens Children of the Black Skirt, Proserpine Year 12 student Amelia Brain will direct the story depicting a group of bush children who stumble across an abandoned orphanage.

In their search of the deserted place, they find the forgotten clothes of its residents, and after putting the garments on, the children begin reliving the past through the forgotten clothes.

Chosen by the students, Children of the Black Skirt is a tale of Australia’s history, told through a gothic lens.

The orphanage children tell stories of their lives from the time of convicts through to World War Two, the Stolen Generation and beyond in an evocative play which explores history, reconciliation, and the power of storytelling.

The Proserpine State High School’s PAC (Performing Arts Centre) will be packed to the rafters for the two performances soon arriving in the region.

Opening night was due to take place this week, however it has been postponed.

New dates are set to be announced soon.

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It’s here for its tenth year! The Airlie Beach Festival of Music has announced just the first snippet of its all-star line-up, backing up their Queensland Music Awards People’s Choice Festival of the Year win with a stellar showing of talent.

Rogue Traders, Mi-Sex, Ben Lee, and the Badloves are all taking to the stages for the decade anniversary of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music November 4-6.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte, together with her band ‘Rogue Traders’, will be bringing the house down alongside the other star-studded acts.

Alongside them, Mi-Sex will be rolling back the years - famous for their landmark 1979 performance at the Sydney Opera House, dubbed the “concert of the decade” - vocalist Steve Balbi said it was fitting to have the band now performing in another quintessentially Australian location.

“That’s what makes these sorts of festivals really attractive to us and to audiences – we all just want to be in that special part of the world,” he said.

Singer-songwriter Ben Lee is booked to play, too, and is grateful to be joining the line-up in 2022 having missed last year due to Covid pressures.

And completing the first line-up announcement for 2022 are ‘90s legends The Badloves, whose debut album ‘Get On Board’ spent a massive 69 weeks in the charts, country king Bill Chambers, soul-fire music afficionado Matty Rogers, and festival favourites, The Hillbilly Goats.

Festival founder, Gavin Butlin, said he was proud to be kicking off the 10th anniversary line-up with such a diverse mix of artists, whose music spanned not just genres but also decades.

“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is renowned for having something for everyone across its three-day line-up and we are determined to make the 10th year exceptional so keep watching this space,” he said.

Tickets are already on sale at a cost of $300 for the three-day festival pass and provide access to all days and events.

To purchase tickets or view the full festival program, visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au.

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P!nk, Lady Gaga, and Aretha Franklin fans unite!

Three of the most influential and powerful women in music are coming together to bring Queens Of Pop, Rock and Soul to the Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday, May 14, presented by The Australian P!nk Show.

Kim Boath is P!nk, the spiky-haired rock goddess with countless top 10 singles and record-breaking tours.

Kim Boath was born in Mount Isa and has become a powerful performer in her own right.

Kim is supported by Koby Lee as ‘Queen of Pop’ Lady Gaga and Asabi Goodman as Aretha Franklin, arguably the greatest soul singer of all time.

Coming out of Brisbane, Koby Lee is a passionate and versatile performer and becomes a carbon copy of Lady Gaga having been inspired by her throughout her career.

American singer Asabi Goodman has over 25 years’ experience in music, stage, and screen, both here in Australia and across the Pacific, and is currently performing as part of Hairspray.

Asabi, Kim, and Emily are complimented by some of Queensland’s best musicians, all with extensive touring and performing experience.

The Australian P!nk Show band are absolute professionals and guarantee a magical show spectacular.

Band bassist Grant Boath is excited for their shows up in Airlie and says they prepare thoroughly before touring the show.

“The girls practice every night,” he said.

“A lot of work goes into it to make sure every T is crossed.

“Aretha Franklin (Asabi Goodman) toured the world doing it.

“She is dynamite, she is incredible.”

The band will also be backing it up on Sunday, May 15 with Rock The Decades at the Airlie Beach Hotel’s Sunday Sessions.

Take a musical journey through time as the band rocks through the decades starting in the 70s and rocking out all the way up to today’s hits.

Koby Lee and Asabi Goodman will bring powerhouse performances as they guide you through decades of incredible music.

Both shows are free, start at 2pm each afternoon and run until 5:30pm, and bookings are recommended.

Make sure you head to the Airlie Beach Hotel on May 14 and 15 to see these songstresses loud, live and free on the bar-top stage.

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Morbius: The Living Vampire

The setup for Daniel Espinosa’s film, Morbius, follows the eponymous Michael Morbius - played by Oscar winner Jared Leto – who has been dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder his entire life. That’s a bit of a buzz kill, but Morbius doesn’t let that get him down. He takes it upon himself to become a Doctor, determined to save others from his own fate, and what eventually leads him to a desperate gamble.

That stake transforms him into something unearthly, and while at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness is soon unleashed and Morbius must contend with friend and foe whilst trying to maintain his humanity.

Leto gives a respectable performance in this superhero flick that is opening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from Saturday, 1:00pm and 3:45pm.

Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

For those who’ve followed the Marvel Cinematic Universe from day one: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is for you. For those who’ve jumped on board a little later: that’s alright – Marvel is more than capable of holding your hand and guiding you through the manic fever dream this second Doctor Strange adventure can be.

Benedict Cumberbatch is back as the Master of the Mystic Arts, and so too is director Sam Raimi, who’s previous Marvel outing was a few films in the early 2000s called Spiderman 1, 2, and 3 – you might have heard of them.

Teaming up Raimi and Doctor Strange is a no brainer, and this film does not disappoint on both the character and the director’s strengths. He also directed the Evil Dead, after all.

So, find out what happens in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness when the casting of a forbidden spell that opens a portal to the multiverse, and a threat emerges.

Opening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema Friday, May 6.

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Classical music fans, prepare to be delighted when the Queensland Symphony Orchestra returns to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) this May.

Marvel as thirteen talented musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra showcase their talent and artistry performing much-loved favourites and creating experiences that become extraordinary when shared.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra Connect ensemble presents an evening concert packed with classical favourites from Prokofiev, the king of Russian ballet to Grieg’s tip-toeing masterpiece, “In the Hall of the Mountain King.”

Don’t miss out on your chance to see Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Mackay.

Book your tickets now and prepare to be swept away by classics like: Holst’s ‘Jupiter’ from The Planets, Prokofiev’s Cinderella’s Waltz and Romeo and Juliet, Gershwin’s Walking the Dog and Grieg’s ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ from Peer Gynt Suite No.1, and more.

EVENT DETAILS

Queensland Symphony Orchestra – Classical Favourites Wednesday 25 May 2022 7.30pm

MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Friday 29 April

April Photo Walkabout Workshop at the Botanic Gardens

Friday, 6:30am to 8:30am

Start the day off right with a walk which focuses on our feathered friends, the birds in the Botanic Gardens. We will be joining Birdlife Mackay’s monthly bird walk and learning the best places to find birds and what birds occupy the gardens. Mackay Camera Group will also be present to assist with the best camera settings for bird photography. Open to all photographers from beginners to advanced, it is a free activity for anyone to join. Bring your camera or device, telephoto or zoom lens recommended and meet at the Botanic Gardens Viewing Deck (opposite the Café). To book your spot, phone the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Breathing and Meditation

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Does your mind feel overworked, overstimulated and technology-reliant? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to retain information, recall short-term memories and concentrate on what's in front of you? By quieting the mind and focused breathing, you will learn techniques that can help you become present in the moment and find clarity. Bring your own towel or cushion to sit on during this tranquil session. Bookings through Eventbrite.

Gordon White Library

Boomerang Launch Night

Friday, 4:00pm

The Boomerang Hotel is welcoming everyone back to their favourite new-look local with a massive night of freebies, live entertainment, and events for the whole family! Everyone's welcome so come on down and check out everything going on at the Boomerang Hotel!

Boomerang Hotel

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Graeme Connors ‘Back After A Short Break’

Friday, 7:30pm

Join Graeme Connors and his band, ‘In Concert’, with classic hits, favourites and new songs from the pen of Australia’s finest singer songwriter. Book via www.themecc.com.au.

MECC Auditorium

Subservia ‘Common Nonsense’ EP Launch

Friday, 9:00pm

In celebration of Subservia's debut EP, ‘Common Nonsense’, the boys are sending it out with a mad party at the Hotel Mackay! With support from Nortica, Systematic Machine, and Viper Syndicate, you won't want to leave your energy at home. Doors at 8pm, bands from 9pm, $10 entry, tickets sold on the door.

Hotel Mackay

Saturday 30 April

Kool Beanz Academy T10 Bash for Cash

Saturday to Monday, 9:00am to 10:00pm

Who will be this year's T10 Bash for Cash Champions? Come and watch the competition as we offer FREE ENTRY to all spectators. With a $30,000 prize pool split across a male and female division we are aiming to see some of the best battle it out for the Kool Beanz Academy GBRA T10 Bash for Cash crown. For team registrations email john@harruppark.com.au or for more information or visit bashforcash.com.au.

Harrup Park

Mackay Art Society Mother’s Day Markets

Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Find arts and crafts, paintings, wood turning, and jewellery at the Mother’s Day Markets at the Mackay Choral Society hall in Andergrove.

5 Snow Wright Ct, Andergrove

Pointglen's Movie Under The Stars 2022

Saturday, 5:30pm to 9:30pm

Join Shoal Point Waters for a fun-filled night under the stars watching a family friendly movie. This is a free community event brought to you by Pointglen Developments.

Shoal Point Waters

Michael Jackson THRILLER Night

Saturday, 5:30pm to 9:30pm

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s THRILLER single in The Main Bar from 8pm. All the best tunes from Michael Jackson will be played all night plus prizes for the best Thriller outfit!

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Sunday 1 May

Live At Lamberts 2022

Sunday, 12:00pm to 10:30pm

An afternoon celebrating great music, tasty food, and a location like no other! The Seabreeze Hotel is excited to announce Live At Lamberts 2022! Featuring a premium music lineup including Pierce Brothers, Late November, Perry Street Park, The Stone Apes, Mardi Wilson, Karlou and Matilda Duncan. Once the sun sets, Michael Scriha will be kicking off the official after party!

Seabreeze Hotel

Wednesday 4 May

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Thursday 5 May

Low Voltage Rescue with CPR

Thursday, 8:30am to 2:00pm

This course provides participants with the skills to manage common first aid situations that can arise in an electrical services industry environment, including rescue from low voltage panels. It is suitable for people employed as electricians and others employed in the electrical services industry.

St John Ambulance Mackay

Bugs - 'Cooties’ Tour

Thursday, 7:00pm

Bugs are no longer reserved to the confines of the Brisbane scene in which they made their start, with a whirlwind couple of years shepherding the band and their heartfelt, honest and relatable brand of pop rock to the national stage. It’s time to strap in and enjoy the next musical ride from self-professed “Noisey Guitar Pop from Sunny QLD” band, Bugs. With LOSER & VOIID.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

The MECC presents Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Thursday, 7:00pm

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the highways to home-deliver the freshest and funniest from the 2022 Festival to neighbourhoods across the nation. For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide. Buckle up for a night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness, and song in this rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your post-pandemic comedy cravings!

MECC Auditorium

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Keen for a Roman holiday with a Fair Lady or perhaps Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

Crossroad Arts is thrilled to be hosting another excitingly unique fundraiser, Audrey’s Roman Holiday Party.

Coinciding with the Jayco Mackay Italian Street Party, participants will enjoy a night of Italian themed festivities complete with painting a Tuscan landscape with local artist Kate Kennedy.

Tickets include wine, nibbles and a 2-hour paint session, but with only 30 tickets available you will need to find your best Audrey Hepburn inspired wear and get in quick!

After the success of Crossroad Arts’ Frida Fundraiser Fiesta paint and sip last year this event is not one to be missed.

Artist Kate Kennedy said, “I am proud to be a part of the 2022 Crossroad Arts Paint and Sip Fundraiser - Audrey’s Roman Holiday Party, and excited to share some of my skills on how to paint a Tuscan landscape.  

“It's important events such as these that help to raise the much-needed funds to bring more accessible artistic programs and creative opportunities for people with disability in our community.”

Crossroad Arts has DGR status and is a registered charity. All donations made on the evening will be matched $1 for $1 by ReNew Mackay up to $5000.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday May 14, 2022

6:30pm- 9pm

Crossroad Arts- 55 Wood St Mackay. Accessible venue

$100pp limited tickets available

For further details including how to book tickets please visit www.crossroadarts.com.au

Georgia Knoll, Brenden Borellini and Annalise Mawer get ready for Audrey’s Roman Holiday Party. Image Credit: Alison Richardson

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