Festivale off to flying start

Boasting its usual array of live entertainment and premium produce, the event’s opening night saw crowds queueing outside the City Park gates from as early as 5pm as festival goers sought to have first bite of the Festivale cherry. 

First-time Festivale-goer and Cairns resident Natalie Davis got in early to secure premium real estate in front of the main stage, and was impressed by what she saw.

“I’m surprised at the selection of food available, we have Festivale in Port Douglas but it’s not quite as big as this,” Mrs Davis said. 

“I’m guessing the salt and pepper calamari must be the best because the queue is huge.”

Mrs Davis said the chance to see headline act Adam Brand in action had been more than enough motivation to make the trip south.

“I’ve probably seen him about 10 times in five years.

“I’m thinking he'll sing most of the songs he sings at his normal shows and he'll throw in his latest single - and I bet you he'll end on Hell of a Ride.”

RELATED: Festivale Friday evening | photos

The festival’s opening night also won praise from international visitors, with Chicago natives Gene and Phyllis Sochor spending their final night of a three-week Tasmania tour at the event. 

“The festival has exceeded expectations, the people are all wonderful, the food is wonderful, and the wine,” Mrs Sochor said. 

“We don’t have anything this peaceful at gatherings in the USA - you wouldn't have nearly everybody being warm and genuine and peaceful and respectful, it's lovely.”

Between 7000 and 8000 people were expected to come through the gates on Friday night, with a further five-figure number likely to roll through over the remainder of the weekend.

Saturday’s schedule will feature a host of food and wine masterclasses and live entertainment from Taxiride and The Badloves.

Festivale chairwoman Lou Clark encouraged visitors to avoid lines by purchasing tickets from the Festivale website.

“Tomorrow if people are coming they can still buy tickets online and then you don’t have to stand in a queue, you can come straight through,” Ms Clark said. 

Festivale will run from 11am to 11pm Saturday and from 10am to 4pm Sunday.