![AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN 2024](https://os-data-2.xargo-cdn.net/afcm2021/banners/afcm_gg_2024.png)
AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN 2024
The AFCM Festival Garden is BACK in 2024! Located in the forecourt of the Townsville Civic Theatre - the AFCM Festival Garden is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a drink and connect with friends. We are proud to have the Festival Garden supported by Townsville City Council.
- 2:00pm - 3:00pm
- TOWNSVILLE CIVIC THEATRE - C2
- FREE EVENT
![AFCM 2024 Industry Discussion - Leadership for the Arts. Facilitated by AFCM Chair Mary Jo Capps AM](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/364/blogskale_mjc2.png)
Join AFCM Chair Mary Jo Capps AM and a range of local and national guests for a long-table discussion titled Leadership for the Arts, and explore what it takes to be a leader for the arts in contemporary Australia, where our models have come from, and where it might all be heading.
- 6:30pm - 7:00pm
- AFCM Festival Garden Main Stage
- FREE EVENT
![1RAR Jazz Band and Townsville Grammar School Choir](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/227/blogskale_1rar_band_2.jpg)
Join us in a rousing concert on the Opening Night of the Festival, with the much loved and supremely talented Band of the 1st Royal Australian Regiment, playing popular jazz ballads with a little hip hop thrown in! Joined by the Townsville Grammar School Choir, this opening night celebration is not to be missed.
- 1:00pm - 2:00pm
- TOWNSVILLE CIVIC THEATRE - C2
- FREE EVENT
![David Malouf AO in Conversation with Tenille McDermott](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/375/blogskale_blogskale_david_malouf.jpg)
David Malouf AO is an Australian literary icon and internationally recognised author with more than 18 books published and multiple literary awards. David chats with Tenille McDermott and also does some readings and book signings.
Tenille McDermott has been a bookseller at Townsville's much-loved Mary Who? Bookshop for nearly two decades. She is currently the co-editor of James Cook University's postgraduate cultural journal, Sūdō Journal, and is completing a PhD in creative writing. An experienced interviewer, Tenille has conducted conversations and moderated panels with a wide range of authors including Anna Funder, Pip Williams and Trent Dalton.
- 2:15pm-3:00pm
- Townsville Civic Theatre - C2
!['The Creative Process - Growing Eucalyptus' - Sir Jonathan Mills AC, FRSE in Conversation with Mary Jo Capps AM](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/376/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-06-03_at_1.30.23_pm.png)
Join a discussion with AFCM Chair Mary Jo Capps AM and Sir Jonathan Mills AC, FRSE about his Opera, Eucalyptus. A new work, it is based on Murray Bail’s beloved novel, and is part Australian fairy tale and part musical evocation of the Australian bush. The libretto by Meredith Oakes is poetic and spare. All welcome to attend.
Commissioned by Opera Australia and Victorian Opera. Eucalyptus is a co-production by Opera Australia, Victorian Opera, Perth Festival and Brisbane Festival. Eucalyptus is supported by Philip Bacon, AO & Carol Colburn Grigor, CBE
- 4:15pm - 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Schools' Showcase - The Cathedral School Contemporary Strings](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/368/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-30_at_8.30.35_am.png)
Some of Cathedral School's brightest young music students take to the stage for this entertaining concert. Bring the kids and a rug and enjoy some wonderful music in the Festival Garden
- 6:15pm - 7:00pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![AFCM 2024 Fellowship Ensemble - Zaza Road Quartet & TheatreiNQ Present](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/367/blogskale_jack_and_zaza.png)
See the AFCM Fellowship Ensemble, Zaza Road Quartet, in their final AFCM Outreach Tour Concert, having just completed concerts in Ingham, Ayr, Charters Towers and at JCU - performing selections from Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Mendelssohn. They are joined by actors from TheatreiNQ's The Bridge Project presenting of a selection of Shakespeare's Sonnets.
- 4:15pm- 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Schools' Showcase - Townsville Grammar School's Brass Ensemble](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/313/blogskale_grammar_brass.jpg)
Some of Townsville-Gurambilbarra’s brightest young music students take to the stage for this entertaining concert. Bring the kids and a rug and enjoy some wonderful music in the Festival Garden
- 6:15pm - 7:15pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Schools' Showcase - Townsville Grammar School Celtic Strings & Guitar Orchestra](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/366/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-30_at_8.54.23_am.png)
Townsville Grammar School's Celtic inspired performing ensemble welcomes members from all year levels at the North Ward campus across a plethora of instruments. The 23 members enjoy performing rousing music inspired from the Gaelic regions of Ireland, Scotland, France and Nova Scotia. Instruments presented include fiddle, cello, tinwhistle, flute, piano and piano accordian, bodhran (Bore-ron), cajon (car-Hun), largerphone, drumkit and sometimes the spoons (we'd love some guitars to join us). We hope our music gets your hands clapping, your feet tapping and you feel like dancing a jig for us.
- 4:15pm - 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Schools' Showcase - Pimlico State High School Orchestra](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/247/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-31_at_5.36.59_am.png)
Some of Townsville-Gurambilbarra’s brightest young music students take to the stage for this entertaining concert. Bring the kids and enjoy some wonderful music in the Festival Garden.
- 6:15pm - 7:15pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Schools' Showcase - Southern Cross Catholic College Music Academy](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/369/blogskale_southern_cross_2.jpg)
Southern Cross Catholic College has a bright, bustling Music department that nurtures students to experience the richness and pure enjoyment of playing music. Having a holistic and open minded approach to a diverse repertoire, students cover everything from western art classics to the latest new releases. The Southern Cross Music Academy facilitates Instrumental and Ensemble lessons and the classroom curriculum ensures our young people have the opportunity to participate enthusiastically in Performance, Musicology and Composition. A Music Immersion program is run in the Southern Cross primary school, this incredible opportunity successfully develops skill and appreciation of orchestral instruments at a young age which fosters a passion for playing instrumental music and a clearly evident engagement and love for music in the high school. Southern Cross is delighted to be a part of this year's AFCM Festival Garden Stage and the students are beyond excited to shine their light before other music lovers in the Townsville Community.
- 4:00pm - 4:15pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Schools' Showcase - The Cathedral School's Guitar Orchestra](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/221/blogskale_cathedral_guitars.png)
Some of Townsville-Gurambilbarra’s brightest young music students take to the stage for this entertaining concert. Bring the kids and a rug and enjoy some wonderful music in the Festival Garden.
- 4:15pm- 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Dr Joel Gilmore: Making Noise. Presented by the Queensland Museum of Tropics](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/306/blogskale_joel_-_headshot_1.jpg)
Science communicator and musician Dr Joel Gilmore performs a lively recital combining music and science for all ages. From vibration science to instrument demonstrations, to sounds in nature and space, enjoy this scientific musical journey that demonstrates physics is more entertaining outside the lab. Presented with World Science Festival Queensland and Queensland Museum Tropics.
- 6:15pm - 7:00pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Ann Roberts School of Dance](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/304/blogskale_lotusland-1260-2_1.jpg)
Participation in classes at Ann Roberts School of Dance in Townsville-Gurambilbarra opens the doors to the world of dance, providing each student with strong technical and performance skills as well as enhancing their personal development – not forgetting the pleasure and enjoyment of friendships experienced by all during the course of the year.
- 4:15pm - 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Schools' Showcase - Townsville Grammar School Choir](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/371/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-30_at_9.13.26_am.png)
Some of Townsville-Gurambilbarra’s brightest young music students take to the stage for this entertaining concert. Bring the kids and a rug and enjoy some wonderful music in the Festival Garden.
- 12:00 - 2:00pm
- AFCM Festival Garden Main Stage
- FREE EVENT
![Little Learners: Presented by the Queensland Museum of Tropics](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/317/blogskale_little_learners.jpg)
Little Learners: A story time and activity session focused for kids under 6 years. Come along to this early learners activity area and make a Chinese Pellet Drum
Presented by the Queensland Museum of Tropics
- 6:15pm - 7:00pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![William Barton & the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts Dancers](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/372/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-31_at_5.33.12_am.png)
For two decades, William Barton has forged a peerless profile as a performer and composer in the classical musical world, from the Philharmonic Orchestras of London and Berlin to historic events at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day 2019, Anzac Cove and the Beijing Olympics. His awards include Winner of Best Original Score for a Mainstage Production at the 2018 Sydney Theatre Awards and Winner of Best Classical Album with ARIA for Birdsong At Dusk in 2012. With his prodigious musicality and the quiet conviction of his Kalkadunga heritage, he has vastly expanded the horizons of the didgeridoo — and the culture and landscape that it represents. Joining him on the stage is Townsville-Gurambilbarra's own Wulgurukaba Walkabouts Dancers in a fusion of music, performance and dance.
- 1:00pm - 2:00pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Ann Roberts School of Dance](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/370/blogskale_picture_1.jpg)
Participation in classes at Ann Roberts School of Dance in Townsville-Gurambilbarra opens the doors to the world of dance, providing each student with strong technical and performance skills as well as enhancing their personal development – not forgetting the pleasure and enjoyment of friendships experienced by all during the course of the year.
- 4:15pm - 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Suga Cane Mamas](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/373/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-31_at_5.39.18_am.png)
Suga Cane Mamas are voice, string and stories told by three Blak women. Berniece, Eilla & Georgia of First Nations and South Sea Islander bloodlines.
- 6:15pm - 7:00pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![RASN NQ & Topology presents - Three Generations Three Songs](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/374/blogskale_rasnnq-3gens-initial-edits-8963.jpg)
Since the first sunrise the Manbarra people have been caretakers of Yunbinan (Yoon-bi-nun) and for more than a century, the patchworked paradise of Palm Island has been stitched together by the 40+ tribes who live there, now known as the Bwgcolman. The people are proud, spirited and - perhaps to outsiders - a little enigmatic.
Three Generations, Three Songs invites audiences to cross the saline waters of Halifax Bay and discover the stories, the strength and the deep love of place that lives in the hearts of the Manbarra and Bwgcolman. This richly emotive performance has been specially crafted for AFCM and features all original songs written by three generations of the same family.
Together, Gail Mabo, Normey Jay and Nashaye share traditional stories and contemporary reflections through their own unique lenses, celebrate the Bwgcolman and Manbarra people and unpack the depth, beauty, and truth of their island home.
Guided by Deline Briscoe, Gail, Normey and Nashaye have explored their own lived experience, consulted with their elders, and engaged with the Palm Island family to bring the Manbarra Bwgcolman stories to stage.
The performance will feature a collaboration between the Manbarra Bwgcolman Songwriters, Topology and AFCM musicians. This unifying experience is the first time for these Palm Island songwriters and will add even richer textures of sound to the stories.
Three Generations, Three Songs is part of the Creative Heartlands Program, a Strategic Initiative of Topology | RASN North Queensland supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
- 6:00pm- 7:00pm
- Townsville Civic Theatre - C2
- FREE EVENT - BOOKINGS REQUIRED
![Foundation for Australian Literary Studies' Colin Roderick Memorial Lecture: Author Mirandi Riwoe in conversation with Emma Maguire](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/305/blogskale_crml.png)
An AFCM Partnership Project with the Foundation for Australian Literary Studies, James Cook University
Giving life and meaning to a minor character from a Somerset Maugham short story in Fish Girl, enriching and expanding North Queensland’s gold rush history in Stone Sky Gold Mountain, and evoking the complex culture of a Dutch East Indies affected by war and imperialism in Sunbirds, Mirandi Riwoe is an award-winning writer of historical fiction. In conversation with Emma Maguire, Mirandi will share her thoughts on writing historical fiction for readers of today and tomorrow.
Mirandi Riwoe is the author of Stone Sky Gold Mountain, which won the 2020 Queensland Literary Award – Fiction Book Award and the inaugural ARA Historical Novel Prize and was shortlisted for the 2021 Stella Prize and longlisted for the 2021 Miles Franklin Literary Award. Her short story collection, The Burnished Sun, includes the novella, The Fish Girl, which won Seizure Viva la Novella and was shortlisted for the Stella Prize. Her work has appeared in Best Australian Stories, Meanjin, Review of Australian Fiction, Griffith Review and Best Summer Stories. Mirandi has a PhD in Creative Writing and Literary Studies and lives in Brisbane.
Dr Emma Maguire is a Lecturer in English and Writing at James Cook University. She writes short fiction, essays, and criticism. Her literary and scholarly work explores girls’ and women’s experiences of selfhood, power, and pain.
Friday 26 July
![AFCM 2024 Industry Discussion - Leadership for the Arts. Facilitated by AFCM Chair Mary Jo Capps AM](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/364/blogskale_mjc2.png)
- 2:00pm - 3:00pm
- TOWNSVILLE CIVIC THEATRE - C2
- FREE EVENT
![1RAR Jazz Band and Townsville Grammar School Choir](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/227/blogskale_1rar_band_2.jpg)
- 6:30pm - 7:00pm
- AFCM Festival Garden Main Stage
- FREE EVENT
Saturday 27 July
![David Malouf AO in Conversation with Tenille McDermott](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/375/blogskale_blogskale_david_malouf.jpg)
- 1:00pm - 2:00pm
- TOWNSVILLE CIVIC THEATRE - C2
- FREE EVENT
!['The Creative Process - Growing Eucalyptus' - Sir Jonathan Mills AC, FRSE in Conversation with Mary Jo Capps AM](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/376/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-06-03_at_1.30.23_pm.png)
- 2:15pm-3:00pm
- Townsville Civic Theatre - C2
![Schools' Showcase - The Cathedral School Contemporary Strings](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/368/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-30_at_8.30.35_am.png)
- 4:15pm - 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![AFCM 2024 Fellowship Ensemble - Zaza Road Quartet & TheatreiNQ Present](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/367/blogskale_jack_and_zaza.png)
- 6:15pm - 7:00pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
Monday 29 July
![Schools' Showcase - Townsville Grammar School's Brass Ensemble](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/313/blogskale_grammar_brass.jpg)
- 4:15pm- 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Schools' Showcase - Townsville Grammar School Celtic Strings & Guitar Orchestra](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/366/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-30_at_8.54.23_am.png)
- 6:15pm - 7:15pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
Wednesday 31 July
![Schools' Showcase - Pimlico State High School Orchestra](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/247/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-31_at_5.36.59_am.png)
- 4:15pm - 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Schools' Showcase - Southern Cross Catholic College Music Academy](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/369/blogskale_southern_cross_2.jpg)
- 6:15pm - 7:15pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
Thursday 1 August
![Schools' Showcase - The Cathedral School's Guitar Orchestra](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/221/blogskale_cathedral_guitars.png)
- 4:00pm - 4:15pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Dr Joel Gilmore: Making Noise. Presented by the Queensland Museum of Tropics](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/306/blogskale_joel_-_headshot_1.jpg)
- 4:15pm- 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Ann Roberts School of Dance](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/304/blogskale_lotusland-1260-2_1.jpg)
- 6:15pm - 7:00pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Foundation for Australian Literary Studies' Colin Roderick Memorial Lecture: Author Mirandi Riwoe in conversation with Emma Maguire](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/305/blogskale_crml.png)
- 6:00pm- 7:00pm
- Townsville Civic Theatre - C2
- FREE EVENT - BOOKINGS REQUIRED
Friday 2 August
Saturday 3 August
![Little Learners: Presented by the Queensland Museum of Tropics](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/317/blogskale_little_learners.jpg)
- 12:00 - 2:00pm
- AFCM Festival Garden Main Stage
- FREE EVENT
![Ann Roberts School of Dance](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/370/blogskale_picture_1.jpg)
- 1:00pm - 2:00pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![Suga Cane Mamas](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/373/blogskale_screen_shot_2024-05-31_at_5.39.18_am.png)
- 4:15pm - 4:45pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![RASN NQ & Topology presents - Three Generations Three Songs](http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/afcm2021/images/pageattached/374/blogskale_rasnnq-3gens-initial-edits-8963.jpg)
- 6:15pm - 7:00pm
- AFCM FESTIVAL GARDEN MAIN STAGE
- FREE EVENT
![OPENING HOURS](https://os-data-2.xargo-cdn.net/afcm2021/images/afcm23festivalgarden.26_photo_credit_andrew_rankin.jpg)
OPENING HOURS
The AFCM Festival Garden is open Saturday 27 July: 4pm - 7:30pm Monday 29 July: 4pm - 7:30pm Wednesday 31 July: 4pm - 7:30pm Thursday 1 August 4pm - 7:30pm Friday 2 August: 4pm - 7:30pm Saturday 3 August: 2pm - 7:30pm
![PERFORMANCE TIMES](https://os-data-2.xargo-cdn.net/afcm2021/images/afcm23_festivalgarden_mainstage_andrewrankin.46.jpg)
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Performances take place on the Main Stage in the Festival Garden each day of operation: 4:15pm - 4:45pm 6:15pm -7:00pm
![DINING](https://os-data-2.xargo-cdn.net/afcm2021/images/afcm23festivalgarden.06_photo_credit_andrew_rankin.jpg)
DINING
Cuisine to Go will be serving delicious pre-concert meals each evening of concerts at the Townsville Civic Theatre during AFCM 2024, serving from 5:30pm - 7:00pm in the AFCM Festival Garden and in the Balcony Bar inside the theatre. Bookings are essential and should be made online at https://www.cuisinetogo.com.au/afcm. Food trucks will be located in the AFCM Festival Garden for casual dining - check back for more information on our tasty dining options! A fully licensed bar is located in the AFCM Festival Garden - no BYO is permitted.