The Sandgate Bluewater Festival is a series of events held during the week leading up to the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race which leaves from Shorncliffe every Good Friday. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the famous yacht race and a record number of entries are expected to provide a spectacular sight for the thousands of onlookers who flock to the area to witness the start.

The 2008 Bluewater Festival is shaping up to be the best in its 11-year history and the main events on Easter Thursday evening and Good Friday are returning to their traditional home in Lower Moora Park after the BCC’s foreshore re-development required a temporary move to Upper Moora Park last Easter.

Among the lead up events are:

• Local school bands will perform in Sandgate Village
• Bluewater signature dishes by local cafes and restaurants
• Bluewater Photographic competition – open to all
• Bluewater Colouring-in Competition for local schools

For further details of events (unless otherwise indicated) contact Festival Co-ordinator, Helena Winter on 3269 8768 or 0408 918 817 or email hwi65928@bigpond.net.au

Full Moon Hotel Bluewater Festivities
118 Eagle Terrace, Sandgate. Phone: 3869 0544

Kite surfing demonstrations on the Bay near Fifth Avenue, Sandgate.
Contact Padi, Surf Connect Wind & Kite-surfing School on 0411 789 888 or padi@surfconnect.com

• Bluewater Barefoot Bowls at Sandgate Bowls Club - 3pm
• Bluewater Bramble Amble (local church walk and service at Sandgate Pier) – 9am
• Bramble Bay Beach Walk (marine-life discovery walk with Laurie Jeays) – departing 10am from Baptist Church cnr Flinders
• Parade & Cliff Street, Sandgate
• Call John Hanley 0419 643 356 or johndhanley@yahoo.com.au

High Tea & Festival Fashion at the Full Moon Hotel - $30 per person
Call Rhonda Sutton 38691588 or rhonda.sandgate@harveyworld.com.au

Sizzle at the Station – breakfast and jazz from 6:30am at Sandgate Railway Station
Call John Hanley 0419 643 356 or johndhanley@yahoo.com.au

Outdoor Movie Night - at Einbunpin Lagoon Sponsored by Brisbane City Council. Contact Deagon Ward Office 3667 6011 or deagon.ward@ecn.net.au

Sausage “cook-off” between local butchers.

Steam Train Trip from Ipswich to Sandgate $40 adults, discounts for children and seniors. Included in ticket price will be discount vouchers to use at Sandgate cafes, takeaways, restaurants and local traders. Optional historical tours of local landmarks conducted by Cross Country Tours and Sandgate Historical Society $5.
Contact Sunshine Express Rail Tours 3252 1759 or Helena Winter 3269 8768.

Bayfire Spectacular from 5:30pm in Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe – markets, food stalls and rides plus live entertainment with the Bayside Divas, Peebo & Dagwood Magic Show, Phoenix Fire Tribe, Bluewater Fireworks and the award winning Fabulous Sounds of the 60’s Show featuring Darren J Ray & The Love Bugs hosted by 4BH’s Greg Newman.

Bluewater Festival - Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe - markets, food stalls and rides from 7am plus live entertainment on the Baystage from 8:30am including Dot & Liam, Claye Middleton, Seaside Symphony, Cook Island Dancers, The Santana Project “Australian Tribute to Carlos Santana” and more sensational artists right through to 3:00pm. Witness the start of the 60th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race at 11:00am. Meanwhile, for the children there’ll be face painting, pony rides, displays and lots more exciting and innovative activities in and around the Quest tent.