Cooktown Discovery Festival Triumphs: A vibrant celebration of resilience and culture

Cooktown Discovery Festival held 14-16 June 2024, has concluded with resounding success, celebrating the rich history, adventure, and culture of Cooktown and Cape York.

This year's festival, themed 'Bounce Back,' highlighted the community's incredible resilience and strength following the TC Jasper floods last December. The event brought together residents and visitors for a weekend filled with unforgettable experiences and shared community spirit.

Special guest Brian Nankervis, renowned for his work on RockWiz, captivated the audience as he hosted Sunday’s events that included a search for Cooktown’s biggest RocKbrain. The show was a major highlight, drawing in crowds and adding a unique touch to the festival's entertainment line-up with Cooktown local, Jen Ribarich taking out the hotly contested title!

Picture left-right: Cooktown local, Bridie Bramwell with special guest, Brian Nankervis wrap up Sunday afternoon festivities with a joyful celebration of ABBA's Dancing Queen.

Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes stated, "This year’s Cooktown Discovery Festival was a reflection of our community's resilience and spirit. This year's theme, 'Bounce Back,' resonated deeply with everyone, and it was heartening to see so many people come together to celebrate and support each other. The performances, especially the Warrma, the re-enactments of Captain Cook’s time in Cooktown and the Crack Up Sisters, were exceptional highlights, while Saturday’s Street Parade is always a community favourite."

The Crack up Sisters travelled from Winton to entertain the crowds and even joined the 'Bounce Back' themed Street Parade.

Other festival highlights included:

• Championed by Cook Shire Youth Council, the return of Cook Shire’s Got Talent saw local youth compete by performing on stage in front of a panel of judges
• The Big Run for Little Athletics attracted a record number of registrations and is quickly becoming one of Cape York’s premium running events
• Island Dancers from Lakeland captivated a huge crowd on Saturday morning with their energetic cultural performance
• Live music from Tessa Devine, Cameron Cusack, Pad Boys, 8 Ball Aitken, Karl S Williams, and fresh off the back of supporting Missy Higgins, the return of Cooktown local Amber Farnan and Band.

Pictured above: Tessa Devine performed with the spectacular Cooktown sunset as a backdrop. 

Also embodying the 'Bounce Back' theme, this year’s festival provided a significant boost for businesses in Cooktown with many local hotels and accommodation providers reporting being close to, if not at, full capacity. The impact of this is likely to have a positive economic effect throughout the region as tourists venture onwards from Cooktown and up towards ‘The Tip’ of Cape York Peninsula.

Pictured above: Dancers and performers prepare for the Warrma along the banks of the Waalmbal Birri (Endeavour River)

Sally Eales, Council's Regional Development Manager also shared her thoughts: "This year's festival surpassed our expectations, thanks to the incredible line-up and the enthusiastic participation from both locals and visitors. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the diverse activities and entertainment. We look forward to building on this success for future festivals."

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.

Download more Festival Images here. 

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