Punk crew genuinely a friendly act
DON’T be alarmed – these curlews are here to entertain.
JUTE Theatre School’s Punk Curlews will be roaming the Cairns Festival parade route from 5pm tomorrow and strutting their stuff in a series of short scenes for spectators.
The student actors decided that the curlew could be compared to a 1980s British punk.
“Kids get scared easily by characters, so our job is to be non-threatening punks and if they’re going to pick on anyone, pick on dad – he can take it,” JTS co-ordinator Andi Egan said.
The 10-day Cairns Festival kicks off on the Cairns Esplanade with the Friday Festival Concert today from 6pm.
Tomorrow’s events will be headlined by the grand parade, which will travel along the Cairns Esplanade from Minnie St to Spence St.
“The grand parade is always a massive event,” Cairns mayor Bob Manning said.
“Thousands of residents and visitors will line the street to cheer on the local commun- ity groups, businesses and schools that have gone to tremendous effort to create their unique floats.”
Cash prizes are on offer, with a brand new prize category for the best eco-float.
“Judges will be looking for floats that have used recycled or sustainably sourced natural materials or support conservation initiatives,” Cr Manning said.
Cairns Chamber of Commerce president Nick Loukas said the festival was a boon to the local hospitality industry.
“It is good for the town,” he said.
“We don’t see a huge spike in the economy but there’s probably going to be a spike in city restaurants.
“The festival will get people outside and it’s good for Cairns liveability.”