Cairns Festival 2024 Grand Parade Application

A Celebration of Colour and Diversity in the Tropics

The Grand Parade is one of Cairns’ most loved community events and a highlight of Cairns Festival. 

This year’s Grand Parade theme embraces our rich diversity and the vibrant tapestry of colours, cultures, beliefs and traditions that weave together to make up the kaleidoscope that is the FNQ community.

Taking place Saturday August 24 at 5.30pm, join us in a spectacular street party on the Cairns Esplanade.

It’s free to enter and parade participants are in the running to win:   

First Prize: $3,000 

Second Prize: $2,000 

Third Prize: $1,000 

Best Eco-float: $1,000

Judges will look at the following criteria:

  • Colour

  • Creativity

  • Vibrancy

  • Uniqueness

  • Enthusiasm

  • Use of natural or re-cycled materials

  • Low or zero emissions transport

  • Creating a party atmosphere

Code of Conduct:

To enter the Cairns Festival 2024 Grand Parade all participants must adhere to the following code of conduct:

  • The parade is a festive occasion to celebrate the lifestyle and community of Cairns and is not to be used to promote any political agenda or as a ground for protest.

  • The parade is a fun family event and no discriminating, insulting, offensive or vulgar comments or displays may be presented. Entrants that give offence will not be accepted and risk expulsion from future parades.

  • Cairns Festival reserves the right not to accept any presentations that could be damaging to the spirit of the parade.

You can lodge your application to enter a float using this form. You will find a link at the end of the form to the Cairns Festival 2024 Grand Parade Participation Agreement which includes Terms of Agreement and Parade Rules. Please ensure you read these carefully.

Please submit your complete application form by Friday 26 July. Late entries will not be accepted.

Tell us about your float

NB: no semi-trailers

The Grand Parade is asking that each motorised float provides a minimum of one guide to lead your entry along the parade route. The size of your float will determine the amount of guides you will need. This will be discussed with the Parade Coordinator upon your application.

Must be under 4.3m high
Must be less than 3m wide
Must be less than 20m long
E.g. large decorated truck with giant paper flowers and fairy lights with a group of 30 costumed flower dancers walking behind

Please note: Float entries are not permitted to stop unless instructed by a Parade Marshal. This includes choreographed movement and sporting demonstrations.

NB: Lollies are not permitted. Please note that the Parade Coordinator will need a complete list and will need to grant approval before the parade.

Please be aware that your written descriptions below will be passed on to the Cairns Festival Grand Parade Judges to help them best understand your float entry. 

Browse
You will need to sketch, photograph or electronically draw your float. Scan or save your drawing and upload it here

Terms & Conditions

Please take the time to read the following items. It is important you understand the rules and safety requirements in order to participate.

To read and/or download the Terms & Conditions in full CLICK HERE


Please submit your complete application form by Friday 26 July. Late entries will not be accepted.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Jan Aird, the Parade Coordinator on 4032 6656 or festival@cairns.qld.gov.au

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Cairns Regional Council – Information Privacy Statement

Your personal information has been collected for the purpose of assessing your application. The collection of your information is authorised under the Local Government Act 2009. You are providing personal information which will be used for the purpose of delivering services and carrying out Council business. Your personal information is handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and will be accessed by persons who have been authorised to do so. Your information will not be given to any other person or agency unless you have given Council permission to or the disclosure is required by law.