The Royal Geelong Yacht Club will once again hosts one of Geelong’s biggest events, the Festival of Sails, held on over the Australia Day Weekend. This event began in 1844 and holds the title of Victoria’s oldest ongoing sporting event, which is no mean feat. The event is also regarded as the largest annual keel boat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere attracting some 400 plus yachts and in the vicinity of 4500 competitors.
But the event is so much more than the amazing action on Corio and Port Phillip Bays, the event also includes a huge shoreline festival stretching the whole breath of Geelong’s magnificent waterfront. The weekend features plenty of food, markets and fun and features over 60 different performers from roaming entertainment to some of Australia’s best known names. Over the years names like Sherbet’s Daryl Braithwaite, Sean Kelly from the Models and several performances from ex Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock frontman Ross Wilson have featured in the festival.
The 2024 festival brings big names once again, with 90s rock legends Southern Sons performing on the Yacht Club stage on Friday night. For kids, the Mik Maks will also be appearing at this year’s festival on Saturday. Body Type and INXS cover band, The Australian INXS show, will perform on Saturday night, which promises to be a massive experience. There are also a host of other magicians, bands, buskers and other incredible acts in and around the RGYC, Steampacket Stage and Fairnie Park as well as plenty roaming the waterfront park lands.
The parkland and sand around Eastern Beach will be home to the Come & Try Zone. This fun area will give people young and old the chance to try their hand at wind surfing, sailing and kite boarding. There will be paddleboarding and beach volleyball also on the sands along Richie Boulevard.
Transvaal Square looking over the RGYC will host a special kids zone where petting zoos, jumping castles and pony rides will take place. This is expected to be a huge hit with the young.
The grounds of the RGYC will take on a huge festival atmosphere with a marine themed market, which will include boating gear and accessories. There will be food, and plenty of entertainment, plus plenty of the usual fun and cheer.
The grassy Steampaket Gardens will feature a large performance stage, plus plenty of food, a market with lifestyle products and plenty of places to kick back and relax so you can enjoy the entertainment.
The traditional Fireworks Spectacular will take place over Corio Bay on Australia Day – Friday 26th at Dusk and will once again delight young and old in an incredible display of colour reflecting over the bay. This is not to be missed.
Official site: http://festivalofsails.com.au/
