Plan Your Roadtrip... This Free Burdekin Festival This Weekend Can't Be Missed!

Back by popular demand after its grand debut in 2018, the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival is set to get even sweeter...

The three day festival celebrates the Burdekin agricultural region and all the amazing wonders that comes with it.

From fresh produce and culinary delights through to adventure and sports tourism, wholesome country hospitality and rockin' music, the family-friendly event is must-do from 30 May - 1 June.

Some new surprises to the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival for 2019.

This year will see the return of First Fire and the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships, plus an exciting new addition to the festival family - the Burdekin Cultural Fair - a further celebration for all things culture.

Experience the many traditions that make up this vibrant region through a range of food, music and activities.

Plus, explore different parts of the world without even leaving the area with a rare insight into the back-breaking work of a by-gone era.

With some unexpected faces...

Rugby League Hall of Fame legend Shane Webcke was announced as the MC for the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival’s Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships earlier this year.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said "Shane Webcke was a great fit for the event"... plus it adds some star power to the line up!

Light up the sky at the First Fire event on Thursday 30.

Here's your handy three-day guide:

Thursday 30 May

On Thursday evening from 5:30pm - 8:30pm, the First Fire event will kick off the festival with a night of celebration at Home Hill Showgrounds.

Enjoy live music, delicious food and a huge selection of food stalls before the first fire of the season lights up the sky.

Sink into a night of socialising and country hospitality as you take a seat at a long table and chat to a neighbouring farmer.

Grab a cold beer and sprawl out on a picnic blanket under the stars - this is a night not to be missed. Plus it's free entry!

Our vibrant region will be on display through a range of food, music and activities.

Friday 31 May

A first for the festival, The Burdekin Cultural Fair makes it grand debut on Friday from 5:30pm - 9:30pm beside PCYC, MacMillian Street, Ayr. Making things even hotter, the new addition will celebrate diversity in the region.

From multi-cultural food to activities, entertainment to dancing - this event is one for the whole family.

Kids can enjoy carnivale mask making and indigenous painting whilst the bigger kids can dance to on-stage performances with Belly dancers, Chinese Lion Dancers and much more! 

Chances are you'll feel you're in another part of the world at this free event.

Saturday 1 June

The annual Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is a test of skill and endurance on kicking off on Saturday to end the festival.

From 11am - 4pm at Home Hill Showgrounds locals can explore the paddock of sugarcane while cheering on the men and women as the battle begins to crown the 2019 Australian Hand Cane Cutting Champion.

Watch Australia’s best hand cane cutters swing their cane knives as you sit back and relax to live music and whip cracking throw downs.

Kids will be entertained with free craft, face painting, animal farms and more!

Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival will be held from 30th May until 1st June at the Home Hill Showgrounds and MacMillian Street, Ayr - about one and quarter hour's drive from Townsville. Entry is free. Check out the full event details on the website here.