COOKTOWN DISCOVERY FESTIVAL 2023: GOOD FOR BUSINESS, GREAT FOR THE COMMUNITY

Cook Shire Mayor, Peter Scott is looking forward to the upcoming festival, stating, "The Cooktown Discovery Festival is a celebration of our community's rich cultural heritage and the special place Cooktown has in Australian history. It is a time for us to come together and celebrate all that makes Cooktown and this region so special."

This year’s schedule features festival favourites including: the re-enactments of Cook’s Landing – faithfully retold from an Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspective – and the first recorded act of Reconciliation; the Street Parade; Saturday night Sunset Soiree and fireworks; amusement rides; art and craft workshops and exhibitions; cultural activities, tours and demonstrations; live music and dancing; community markets and, the highly-anticipated return of the Cape York Automotive Muster.

New events to the schedule include the Cooktown Little Athletics “Big Run” fun run, a community mural painting at Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery and a Bush Dance at the Shire Hall.

“It’s so great to see the groups like Cooktown Little Athletics coming on board to host and organise their own events,” said Mayor Scott, adding that the festival weekend attracts record crowds of tourists every year, providing a huge boost to businesses in Cooktown.

“We’d really love to see all the businesses in town getting behind this year’s festival so we’re really encouraging venues to host their own events, activities and entertainment.”

“Regulations can make it challenging for Council to host certain events and activities, so it’s always wonderful to see local businesses and community groups stepping up and organising their own events,” said Mayor Scott. “What’s good for small businesses is great for our community.”

For more information, visit the Cooktown Discovery Festival website or contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.

~ end ~