Held annually in July, the night before the opening of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Chefs in the North has become one of the most sought after events in town.

The sixth annual Chefs in the North Dinner, held on the lawns of Jupiters Townsville under a spectacular marquee, will feature a tantalising degustation menu prepared by some of Australia's finest chefs. Enjoy an evening that highlights the best local produce accompanied by fine Australian wines.

Special chamber music performances programmed by Piers Lane showcasing artists performing at the Festival will also feature between courses.

The Chefs in the North Dinner is designed to tempt food and wine afficionados, Festival participants and corporate clients with an unforgettable night of fine food, wine and music.

Performances by Amy Dickson, Jack Liebeck, Victoria Sayles, Danny Driver and Piers Lane.

Piers Lane chats with Damien Beaumont, John Contiguglia, Richard Contiguglia and Philippe Graffin.

A Hans Christian Andersen tale for young and old.

The Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Johannes Fritzsch with AFCM soloists.

The AFCM Reef Talk is a Festival highlight which showcases world-class scientists and some of our favourite Festival artists. The Reef Talk is an intriguing, entertaining and informative session for all age groups.

Selected local highschool students will perform at the AFCM Winterschool Concert.

A story about Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner with musical illustrations Narrated by Damien Beaumont.

Piers Lane chats with Danny Driver, Lisa Gasteen, Jack Liebeck, Victoria Sayles and Sharny Russell.

Damien Beaumont chats with Diana McVeagh and Martin Wesley-Smith.

'Changing Popularity' - two eminent musicians discuss how public appreciation of performers and composers and their works changes as time goes on. 

Escape to Queensland's tropical Magnetic Island for an early evening Cabaret. ‘Maggie' is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and laid back atmosphere. Take a journey through the great American Songbook with Sharny Russell and George Golla at Peppers Blue on Blue resort.

The Island trip costs $95 (A Res) or $85 (B Res) and the price includes the return ferry ticket to Peppers Resort. For bookings, please complete the enclosed Booking Form or phone the TicketShop on 1800 449 977.

Sunferries Travel is Townsville and Magnetic Island's travel specialists. They offer a wide range of island and city accommodation options including 5 star waterfront resorts, self-contained apartments and bungalows. Discover the spectacular Magnetic Island with an extensive range of tours available for your visit - jump on board Maggie's own tall ship for a relaxing sunset sail, enjoy a delicious bush breakfast with the koalas at Bungalow Bay Koala Village, tour Magnetic Island at your leisure in a mini 4WD or indulge yourself at the luxurious Endota Spa at Nelly Bay.

Sunferries also provide the quickest link to Magnetic Island with a convenient ferry passenger service offering 19 services daily in air-conditioned comfort. A range of ticketing options are available for single, return and multiple trip tickets.

For more information about ferry or travel services, please contact the friendly Sunferries Travel team on 07 4726 0888 or visit www.sunferries.com.au.

Piers Lane chats with Michael Collins, Louise Hopkins and Martin Wesley-Smith.

Piers Lane chats with Kees Boersma, Daniel de Borah, Rivka Golani, Vernon Hill and Simon Oswell.

Piers Lane chats with the Amy Dickson, the Goldner String Quartet, Louise Page and Diana McVeagh (a world authority on Elgar and Finzi).

Join some of our favourite Festival artists as they introduce young listeners to the wonderful world of chamber music! This year the Young Families' Concert will feature Victoria Sayles, Kees Boersma and Michael Collins performing Martin Wesley-Smith's "Pip!" as well as the beautiful voices of the Belgian Gardens State School Choir. Try the "Guessing Game" and look out for "Ferdinand the Bull"!

A creative and entertaining weekend activity for the whole family, not to be missed!

A great talent spotting opportunity - Watch Australia's finest emerging talent perform in concert.

A celebration, in music and words, of the great Australian singer for the 150^th anniversary of her birth.