Thursday, July 31, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Fireworks Light Up Airlie Beach Foreshore at Great Barrier Reef Festival 2025

The Airlie Beach Foreshore is set to sparkle and roar with colour on Friday, 1 August 2025, as the Great Barrier Reef Festival presents its much-loved Fireworks on the Foreshore event. From early evening until late, the vibrant atmosphere will draw locals and visitors alike for a night packed with entertainment, culture, and spectacular sights against the stunning backdrop of the Coral Sea.
Sponsored by the Whitsunday Regional Council, the evening kicks off with the colourful Lantern Parade winding its way from Coral Sea Marina to the foreshore, lighting up the boardwalk with creativity and community spirit. Following a traditional Welcome to Country, live music will take centre stage with performances from local favourites Category 5, the energetic family trio ObiSun, Mystic Aura Fire Show, and vibrant DJs to keep the crowd moving.
As dusk falls, the stunning Immerse Art Installation will glow to life, showcasing reef-inspired sculptures crafted from recycled marine debris — a visual tribute to the Great Barrier Reef’s beauty and fragility.
Festivalgoers can explore night markets brimming with local arts and crafts, feast on delicious street food at Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street and enjoy carnival rides, including a Ferris Wheel for all ages. Families can relax with a free outdoor screening of the animated film LUCA.
The night’s highlight comes at 8:30pm when the sky above Coral Sea explodes with a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the coast in a breathtaking celebration.
Entry to the foreshore entertainment is free, while a small fee applies for the licensed bar area with front-row fireworks views. Book online to secure your spot.
Cap off the night at the official Reef Festival After Party at Boom Nightclub featuring Tigerlily , starting from 10pm, for more live music and dancing.

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