Held in May each year, the 1770 Festival is a bucket list event for locals and travellers alike. This unique festival commemorates the date when Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook first landed on the east coast shore and came in contact with the local Gooreng Goorgeng people, who have resided in this area for centuries.
A new theme is chosen each year, and 2024 will be ‘Thungall Yinam Gooragan,’ which translates to ‘Foods on top of the Sandy Loam.’ This theme sets the stage for a festival dedicated to highlighting the region’s local food and produce.
Tying in with the overarching festival theme, the 2024 Street Parade theme will be ‘Food and Produce from our 1770 Region.’ Visitors can expect to see a colourful and artistic display that reflects the region’s native trees, local wildlife and the vibrant colours that represent the month of May.
The parade is still accepting entrants, so if you or your community group or organisation are interested, apply here.
The 1770 Festival has been planned closely with the traditional custodians of the Gooreng Gooreng since it was first held, and this year the organising team is dedicated to infusing the festival with an extra layer of cultural richness that will create an engaging and vibrant experience that resonates with both locals and visitors.
A new addition for 2024
There’s going to be an exciting new feature at the 1770 Festival this year: a state-of-the-art half pipe skate ramp, which will be located right on the 1770 Festival grounds.
This has been planned by the 1770 Festival organisers in collaboration with Jay Hetherington and Bevin Newton and promises to be an adventurous inclusion to the festive fun.
Festivalgoers can enjoy three fantastic skate demonstrations by top-tier talent on Saturday 25 May 2024. Leading the charge are Jay Hetherington from Agnes Water Skateboard Coaching and Gold Coast Skateboard Coaching, alongside Bevin Newton from Coffs Coast Skateboarding. After this, onlookers can appreciate the talent of a lineup of skateboarding pros, including Zane Hetherington (pro rider and part of the Australian street skateboarding team), Mitch Barr (sponsored rider) and Felipe Hecher.
- Demonstration 1: 10:30pm–11am
- Demonstration 2: 1pm–1.45pm
- Demonstration 3: 3.30pm–4.15pm
If you want to learn some tricks or improve your skills, Jay and Bevin will be hosting a free skateboard workshop on Sunday 26 May 2024, from 10:30am–11.30am. This workshop is perfect for beginners, intermediate and advanced skaters, and skateboards and helmets will be provided. Spaces are limited to 20 people per session and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
Once you’ve dusted off your skills, or added a few new moves to your repertoire, don’t miss the skateboard competition taking place from 12:45pm–1.45pm the same day. The winners will be announced at 3pm.
So, mark your calendars, and head to 1770 to join in this celebration of local history and global cultural unity.
Fast facts
Where: Throughout the township of 1770, Queensland
When: Friday 24 May to Sunday 26 May 2024
For more information about the festival and where to stay, head here.
The 1770 Festival 2024 is proudly sponsored by Gladstone Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland.
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