FESTIVAL 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

AFTER last night’s Thundamentals performance, residents can look forward to a whole lot more, with a jampacked schedule taking over the region for the next 10 days.

The spirit of the Commonwealth is now alive across Queens Gardens, Strand Park and Jezzine Barracks with visual arts, theatrical performances, live musicians and activities galore.

To top it off, only a few acts require purchased tickets, meaning there sure is a lot going on for free.

See the full Festival 2018 program at townsville. qld. gov. au/ gc2018 Peter Helliar

Peter Helliar’s Festival 2018 gig is the closest he will ever get to representing Australia.

“When I get on stage on Saturday night it will be me basically representing the country in my mind,” he says.

“There will be no medal presentation, but in my mind, I’m doing it for Australia.”

Helliar will perform tomorrow night at Queens Gardens at 7pm and 9pm. Tickets are available for $ 35 Jay Laga’aia.

He’s perhaps best known to the whole family as a Play School presenter, but father of eight Jay Laga’aia is an accomplished musical theatre and television actor and children’s entertainer.

Jay Laga’aia will perform on Sunday from 6pm at Queens Gardens. Keely Johnson

The 19- year- old Burdekin country rock artist has been an inspiration to North Queensland, making her way to her first album while battling cancer. Johnson’s impressive talent has seen her receive mentoring by Lee Kernaghan as well as perform across Australia and overseas.

She performs tomorrow at Strand Park from 5pm. Diesel

Thirty years in the music industry, six ARIA awards and 15 studio albums give Americanborn and Australian- raised artist Diesel, aka Mark Lizotte, plenty to celebrate.

He will rewind through some of the biggest hits of his career.

Diesel will perform at 7pm on Monday, at Queens Gardens with tickets now available for $ 35. Vaudeville Smash

Festival 2018 really is bringing it all with these three brothers, two mates and a whole lot of funk, flute, sax, synth and groove.

Emerging from Melbourne nine years ago, the artists have conquered stages worldwide as well as major sporting events and folk festivals.

Vaudeville Smash will perform tomorrow at 7.30pm at Strand Park. Ian Moss

Aussie icon Ian Moss will hit the stage to deliver his unforgettable sound.

This year brings a new chapter in the former Cold Chisel lead guitarist’s career as he releases a self- titled studio album, filled with his acoustic guitar and incredible songs. Moss will perform on Sunday at 7pm at Queens Gardens with tickets now available for $ 35. Tom Thum and Jamie MacDowell

What do you get when you cross the most watched TEDx talker of all time and a bohemian singer- songwriter? Tom Thum and Jamie MacDowell.

Performing with only a guitar and a voice box, this show defies expectations.

Tom Thum and Jamie MacDowell will perform on Sunday at 6.30pm at Strand Park.