
By Mary Brown, President of the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism
The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc. is excited to announce the return of the Hinchinbrook Festival of Events following the overwhelming success of its inaugural campaign in 2025.
Attendance and engagement in last year's Hinchinbrook Festival of Events exceeded all expectations, bringing together a diverse calendar of events that showcased the very best of our region. From community celebrations and sporting events to arts, culture, entertainment and markets, the festival attracted thousands of attendees, increased visitation to the Hinchinbrook Shire and created a vibrant atmosphere that was felt across the entire community.
One of the most rewarding outcomes was the significant number of visitors who travelled to the region specifically to experience events featured as part of the Hinchinbrook Festival of Events. Accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, retailers and local businesses all benefited from the increased visitor spend, demonstrating the important role events play in strengthening our local economy.
Many events experienced record attendances, with several selling out well in advance. Event organisers received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both locals and visitors, with many commenting on the variety, quality and welcoming community spirit that Hinchinbrook offers. The success of the inaugural festival highlighted what can be achieved when community organisations, volunteers, businesses and event organisers work together towards a common goal.
As a result of this incredible community support and the many positive comments received throughout the 2025 festival period, Chamber members have supported the proposal to host and fund the Hinchinbrook Festival of Events campaign in 2026.
The 2026 Festival will once again celebrate everything that makes the Hinchinbrook region unique, providing opportunities to showcase local talent, support local businesses, attract visitors and encourage people to stay longer and experience more of what Hinchinbrook has to offer.
The Chamber is now inviting all community groups, sporting clubs, schools, businesses and event organisers to be part of this year's festival.
Chamber would like to hear about any events planned across the Hinchinbrook Shire between 17 October 2026 and 26 November 2026. Whether it's a community celebration, fundraiser, sporting event, exhibition, workshop, live performance, market or family day, your event could become part of the official Hinchinbrook Festival of Events program.
Being included in the festival provides an opportunity for that event to benefit from coordinated regional promotion, increased exposure and the collective momentum created by a packed calendar of events designed to encourage visitors to explore our region throughout the festival period.
Together, we can continue building a festival that not only celebrates our incredible community but also delivers lasting economic and tourism benefits for the entire Hinchinbrook Shire.
If you have an event that you'd like included in this year's Festival of Events, please contact the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc. We look forward to working with our community once again to make the 2026 Hinchinbrook Festival of Events even bigger and better than its successful debut.