Holiday at home this Easter – you’ll be glad you did!

Holiday at home this Easter and spend your well-earned long weekend in Gladstone as the Port City comes alive with harbourside celebrations centred around the iconic Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

Whether it be attending the family-friendly Gladstone Harbour Festival, lining the banks of East Shores to welcome in the fleet from the Gladstone Ports Corporation 75th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race or attending events within the Brisbane to Gladstone (B2G) Village, there’s no shortage of events and things to do at Easter in Gladstone.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said this year’s festivities set sail from Thursday 6 April with the 80’s inspired B2G Village Opening Party and the opening of the 61st Gladstone Harbour Festival.

“The B2G Village will be buzzing with excitement at the free Village Opening Party as we kick off Easter celebrations with the Rewind 80’s Band playing all your favourite hits,” Mayor Burnett said.

“The Village Opening Party will also feature food stalls, a licensed bar and prizes for best dressed.”

Good Friday (7 April) marks the start of the Gladstone Ports Corporation 75th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, with two hours of live stream coverage beginning from 10am ahead of the 11am race start.

“The race will be broadcast via the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race Facebook page, Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race website and, for the first time, live and free on Kayo Sports via Kayo Freebies,” Cr Burnett said.

“The fleet is growing ahead of the historic 75th race and we’ve got Restless and Balancing Act as local hopefuls, while 2022 Sydney to Hobart handicap winner Celestial is also a confirmed starter.”

Coinciding with the race start is the Yachtsman’s Long Lunch, a ticketed event featuring delicious local seafood, award-winning wines, keynote speakers and live music, all while watching the famous race on the big screen.

The younger generation will be catered for later that evening with Sounds @ The Village, a concert exclusive for 13-to-17-year old’s featuring a line-up of unearthed performers including headline act Shag Rock and supported by local artists.

Easter Saturday (8 April) sees the Harbour Cruise Brunch take place, providing guests with a unique vantage point of Gladstone Harbour, Easter in Gladstone festivities and the yacht race, by getting out on the water for an intimate and informative tour covering everything from environment to major industry.

Easter Saturday is also home to the Seafood Festival, offering fresh and cooked seafood, live music and activities from 10am until 10pm, all within the vibrant atmosphere of the B2G Village.

Easter in Gladstone wraps up on Easter Sunday (9 April) with the Line Crossing Party, an 18+ event offering a chance for residents and yachties to catch up and let their hair down with live music, bars and food stalls in operation throughout the day and into the night.

Other Easter in Gladstone events include the Gladstone Harbour Festival Fun Run, live music at Gladstone Yacht Club and the Sailing Matters exhibition at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum, while the famous Raft Regatta makes its long-awaited return on Good Friday morning.

Mayor Burnett said Easter in Gladstone is unlike any other time of the year.

“The Port City to the world truly comes alive during Easter celebrations that are centred around the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, B2G Village and the annual Gladstone Harbour Festival,” Cr Burnett said.

“I’m encouraging anyone from Central Queensland and beyond to consider spending their Easter long weekend in Gladstone – you’ll be glad you did!”

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/easter for a comprehensive list of events and activities on offer during Easter in Gladstone.

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