The party that just won’t stop
THE Commonwealth Games and Festival 2018 have arrived in Townsville.
Hundreds of people packed Jezzine Barracks last night for the opening event.
There was an official welcome to Townsville for Australian and international athletes who are in the city for the Commonwealth Games.
Although the Games are on the Gold Coast, basketball matches are being played in Townsville and Cairns.
The first game is today at 5.30pm between England and Scotland, while Cameroon and India will tip off at 8pm.
Besides sport there is plenty of art and culture as part of Festival 2018.
Comedian Peter Helliar will be one of the highlights of the schedule, when he performs two shows on Saturday night.
Some events are ticketed and many are free, showing the variety of things on offer.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said she was looking for- ward to seeing Festival 2018 bring Townsville to life during the next 12 days.
The festival’s major art installation, Uncontained, will officially open today and the Queens Gardens venue will open tomorrow.
Commonwealth Games Working Group Chair Councillor Kurt Rehbein said he was excited to see the hard work and preparation in action.
“It’s been hard work getting ready for Festival 2018 and to see it all come together like this is really exciting,” he said.
“Jezzine Barracks, Strand Park and Queens Gardens all look fantastic and are ready for the 12 days of culture, music, theatre, art and sport.
“I really recommend that if you still haven’t booked tickets for the performances you do it now so you don’t miss out.”
Tickets are available from the council’s website or the Box Office at Townsville Civic Theatre and Riverway Arts Centre. For more information about Festival 2018 visit www. townsville. qld. gov. au.