BUMPER WEEKEND Tourism ‘grand finale’

ship Run at Currumbin RSL to the cheese and champagne pop-up at the Q1’s Skypoint observation deck will light the city up from one end to the other.

Civic leaders say they expect big crowds of locals and plenty of extra overnight visitors to the city over the weekend, which takes in the Labour Day holiday.

Surfers Paradise Alliance boss Mike Winlaw said the range of events, including the Gold Coast Film Festival, would make this weekend one to remember.

“This is the last big one for us as we head into winter so we are keen to optimise the crowds and deliver visitor numbers well above seasonal averages,” he said.

“We are targeting about 50,000 people above the average and this should deliver strong numbers of traders and businesses.

“With the weather looking so good it should be a bumper weekend with plenty of backs on beds.”

Among the major events to be held this weekend will be Surfers Paradise Live, show jumping at the Hinterland’s Aquis Farm and the Australian Corporate Triathlon at The Spit

Or if you would prefer to sit back and relax, head down to the Southport Broadwater Parklands for a family fun and move night from 7pm tonight.

Gold Coast Tourism chief executive Martin Winter said three long weekends in a row was delivering the goods for the city.

“The coincidence of having three so close together is a great result for the Gold Coast,” he said.

“Fortunately we can look forward to another weekend of beautiful weather.

“With the plethora of events in town we are expecting bumper crowds.”

Surfers Paradise Live runs until tomorrow night and features performances from major artists including the Veronicas, Eskimo Joe, Taxiride and Mental as Anything.

It kicked off in fashion with the Gold Coast Music Awards which featured performances from Amy Shark, the Hanlon Brothers, Aquila Young and Yes Sir Noceur.