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Townsville set to celebrate free concerts, conversations, dance, stories and more

Australian Festival of Chamber Music

AFCM Festival Garden Returns in 2025

 

Music, mates and magical moments are set to fill the Civic Theatre forecourt this July, as the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s FESTIVAL GARDEN returns for a week of free concerts and family fun from Friday 25 July to Friday 1 August 2025. Imagery here

 

The FREE Festival Garden is the AFCM’s ultimate destination for relaxed, alfresco music experiences, daily food trucks, a licensed bar, shaded seating and pop-up performances across the week, conversations, and memory-making, a place to gather, connect and experience the power of music in the open air.

 

 FESTIVAL GARDEN EXPERIENCES HIGHLIGHTS TO CIRCLE INCLUDE:

 

1. Free Children’s Concert (Sat 26 July, 14:00–15:00) presented by The Townsville Bulletin

A delightful, family-friendly treat where Artistic Director Jack Liebeck brings popular shows like The SpongeBob Musical and Ferdinand the Bull to life—perfect for young hearts and families in the Garden

2. Literary Talk with Gillian Wills (Sat 26 Jul, 14:00–14:45)
   A free talk at Civic Theatre C2 by acclaimed author and music writer Gillian Wills exploring creativity and her new book Big Music
3. Wulgurukaba and Andromeda Sax Quartet (Sat 26 July, 18:00–19:00)
   Experience the vibrant sounds of Townsville’s local culture with performances by the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts and the AFCM Fellowship Ensemble the Andromeda Sax Quartet—a beautiful blend of tradition and contemporary flair.
4. AFCM Pathways Masterclass Showcases (Various afternoons)
   Discover rising talent through free showcases from AFCM International Masterclass ensembles—strings, wind, brass, violin, and piano-each presenting an immersive snapshot into the world of emerging chamber music
5. Festival Garden Schools Showcase (Mon 28 Jul – Fri 1 Aug): Enjoy free daily performances by local school ensembles, including Kirwan State High, The Cathedral School Guitar Orchestra, Townsville Grammar Brass Ensemble, Pimlico State High School Orchestra, St Patrick’s College, Southern Cross Catholic College, and Pimlico State High School Jazz Band on the Civic Theatre forecourt
6. Colin Roderick Memorial Lecture by Emily Maguire (Thu 31 Jul, 18:00–19:00)
   A thought-provoking, free lecture presented by Foundation for Australian Literary Studies, at Civic Theatre C2 where novelist Emily Maguire delves into “wild cultural receptivity and promiscuous curiosity” in creative work.
7. Festival Farewell (Fri 1 August, 18:00–19:00)
   Bid adieu in style with a spirited closing performance by the 1RAR Band - the grand finale celebrating music, community, and a memorable week outdoors

 

THE FULL PROGRAM:

 

Friday, 25 July

• 12:30 – 14:00 – Long Table Lunch with Andromeda Sax Quartet (ticketed special event)
• 14:00 – 15:00 – Industry Discussion: Music & Education, hosted by Mary Jo Capps AM
• 15:15 – 16:00 – Pathways Speed Networking with international masterclass ensembles
• 18:00 – 19:00 – Opening Night Reception featuring the Band of the 1st Royal Australian Regiment and Pimlico State High School Choir

 

Saturday, 26 July

• 14:00 – 15:00 – Children's Concert with Jack Liebeck: music from The SpongeBob Musical and Ferdinand the Bull, presented by The Townsville Bulletin
• 14:00 – 14:45 – Literary Talk with Gillian Wills on her novel Big Music
• 16:00 – 17:00 – Pathways Masterclass Showcase: strings, wind & brass
• 18:00 – 19:00 – Performances by The Wulgurukaba Walkabouts & Andromeda Sax Quartet

Sunday, 27 July

• 18:00 – 19:00 – Pathways Masterclass Showcase: violin & piano

Monday, 28 July

• 16:00 – 17:00 – Schools Showcase: Kirwan State High School ensemble
• 18:00 – 19:00 – Schools Showcase: The Cathedral School’s Guitar Orchestra

Wednesday, 30 July

• 16:00 – 17:00 – Schools Showcase: Townsville Grammar School Brass Ensemble
• 18:00 – 19:00 – Schools Showcase: Pimlico State High School Orchestra

Thursday, 31 July

• 16:00 – 17:00 – Schools Showcase: St Patrick’s College ensemble
• 18:00 – 19:00 – Schools Showcase: Southern Cross Catholic College
• 18:00 – 19:00 – Colin Roderick Memorial Lecture by Emily Maguire (Civic Theatre C2)

Friday, 1 August

• 16:00 – 17:00 – Festival Farewell Hour – enjoy one last community session with cocktails and music
• 18:00 – 19:00 – Schools Showcase: Pimlico State High School Jazz Band
• 18:00 – 19:00 – Final Concert: with the 1RAR Band to cap off the week

 

AFCM Festival Garden

Civic Theatre Forecourt, Boundary Street, Townsville

From Friday 25 July – Friday 1 August 2025

Free and open to all

This year, from 25 July to 2 August, a total of 36 extraordinary musicians including 11 international artists, two making their Australian debut, 13 artists making their AFCM debuts and three ensembles, will travel to Townsville-Gurambilbarra for what has become one of the most famous chamber music events in the world. 

 

Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 August

Tickets on sale now 

www.afcm.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #afcm

 

AFCM principal partners include Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council. AFCM is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar.

  

 

Contact details:

Kath Rose | 0416 291 493 | [email protected]