Festival Moves
To New Year’s Eve

March 2, 2015

The South Burnett looks set to have a new family-oriented community New Year’s Eve celebration this year.

Plans to move Nanango’s annual Mardi Gras from October to New Year’s Eve were given the thumbs up today by the festival’s major sponsor, Heritage Nanango Community Funding Ltd (HNCF)

The new-look Mardi Gras will be held at the Nanango Showgrounds in conjunction with the Nanango Show Society.

Organisers are hoping it will become a signature New Year’s Eve event for the region.

“As the major sponsor of the Mardi Gras, we’re excited about the move to New Year’s Eve,” HNCF Director Graham Archdall said.

“We appreciate the efforts of the volunteers on the Nanango Funfest Committee who have worked extremely hard to generate support for the event from local businesses and residents.

“We are sure this fresh start will encourage even more community participation.”

He said the group also welcomed the continuation of many aspects of the former Mardi Gras – which was held in October last year – including two fireworks displays, one at around 8:00pm for families, and the other at midnight.

“These events are sure to continue to be a highlight,” he said.

Nanango Funfest Committee spokesperson Cr Barry Green said the decision to move the Mardi Gras to New Year’s Eve was prompted in part by the lack of any major community celebrations in the South Burnett on the night.

There were many functions at clubs and hotels, but most of these were for young singles or adults.

There were very few choices available for families.

He said the Mardi Gras would be a “great vehicle” for a family-focussed New Year’s Eve celebration, and he thought the Nanango Showgrounds was a perfect venue because of its existing canteen and bar facilities, undercover seating, dance floor area and overnight camping.

Mr Archdall said Nanango’s Heritage Community Bank was proud to be the Mardi Gras’ major sponsor, and he urged other businesses to get involved to make the event the focal point of the South Burnett’s New Year celebrations.

“This event will be a great opportunity to showcase your business to the entire district,” he said.

  Nanango