AUSFEST is a two day festival of live music and entertainment that last year attracted more than 35,000 people. 2018 is expected to be as big with 100 performers and more than 20 performances over the two days. Day one takes place on Australia Day, 26 January and day two on 27 January. The Shire’s Australia Day festival is one of the largest and longest running in Australia.
Here is a rundown of the events:
DAY 1 (Friday January 26)
Sutherland Entertainment Centre
The Citizenship Ceremony is the final step in the process of becoming an Australian Citizen, where successful applicants take the Pledge of Commitment.
Family, friends and guests are welcome to attend.
Cronulla Beach and Park
1:00 pm – Enjoy the sounds from local musician Glenn Campbell.
2:00 pm – Miranda and Engadine Musical Societies present a selection of music from their upcoming shows.
3:15 pm – Popular country music star, Col Hardy takes to the stage.
4:00 pm – Enjoy the sounds of Tim Moxey. Who has appeared on The Voice Australia and The X Factor (Australia) and recently released his breakthrough single, The Kind of Man.
5:00 pm – Mayor’s Welcome
5:30 pm – The Never Ending 80s will have you partying like it’s 1989 all over again!
7:00 pm – Celebrate summer and let loose with Caravãna Sun fresh from gigs in New Zealand and with the rest of Australia to tour.
8:15 pm – Mark Vincent burst on to the music scene back into 2009 when he won Australia’s Got Talent. Since then he’s produced six albums and barely stopped performing! We’re happy to welcome him back to Cronulla this Australia Day.
9:00 pm – A stunning fireworks finale will top off a great day at the beach!
All proceeds will go to the Australia Day charity, Enough is Enough.
Blaxland Oval, Illawong
Features a fantastic program of live music, food and children’s activities.
4:00 pm – Westfield Miranda present Paw Patrol.
4:35 pm – Tribute to one of Australia’s legendary rock bands, the Swingshift – Cold Chisel Show.
5:55 pm – More fun with Westfield Miranda’s live show, Paw Patrol.
6:30 pm – Celebrate and enjoy the Hot Potato Band’s unique live show, sure to put a smile on your face.
8:00 pm – Straight from Cronulla Beach to Blaxland Oval, the Never Ending 80s will have you partying like it’s 1989 all over again!
9:00 pm – A stunning fireworks finale will top off a great day in Illawong!
A free community bus will be running in a continuous loop from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm from Bangor Shops to Blaxland Oval and return.
DAY 2 (Saturday January 27)
Cronulla Beach
The celebration continues at Shire Vibes.
Shire Vibes is the most relaxed event of the year. Bring a rug and picnic basket and enjoy an intimate and relaxed time on one of the best beaches in the world, Cronulla Beach, while enjoying the eclectic sounds of our most talented musicians.
3:00 pm – Quintessential Australian classics from Noakesey’s Boys.
4:00 pm – Enjoy original music and soft folky covers with a tinge of rock, blues and soul with Jordan Kenny.
4:45 pm – Chill out with Glenn Campbell.
5:30 pm – Papaya Tree share with us an eclectic mix of styles.
6:15 pm – Danielle Lamb with Matty Jay
7:00 pm – Neo-Soul 5-piece band, Petiguana, take the stage for 30 minutes of soul, funk, jazz and RnB.
8:00 pm – Get ready for a dose of happy fever with Hot Potato Band.