It's Festival Time Again! The Australian Italian Festival 3 and 4 June 2023.

IT is festival time again! The 2023 Australian Italian Festival will be held on the 3rd and 4th of June. That weekend, the TYTO Parklands in Ingham will be transformed into a full-scale piazza with nonstop entertainment, cooking demonstrations, great food and drinks, competitions, free amusement rides and market stalls. Lots of fun for all ages.

Entry to the Festival is more affordable than ever. This is a ticketed event; however, children 18 and under are free but must be accompanied by a paying adult. Again, there is no price increase this year, and we have included a concession admission fee.

Our line-up of entertainment this year is nothing short of amazing. With headline act Paul Ettore Tabone who has just recently returned from overseas. Also in the line-up are Cosima De Vito, Dean Canan, and Zumpa, a traditional Italian Folk band accompanied by Taranta Meanjin - Zumpa featured dancer onstage. She will also run workshops if you want to learn to dance the Tarantella. Fortunato and his Band, Attori, the 1RAR Band, Carina Dancers and Orpheus Chamber of Strings are returning this year.

Wilmar is once again the proud sponsor of our "Kids Corner", where all rides and entertainment are free.

Rides and Slides will be there to provide those activities, and Tommy the Train will return again this year. Circus with a Purpose will also host workshops for the children over the weekend. Those who have come to the Australian Italian Festival before will know how much fun these are.

We have Prima Spada, a Medieval Fencing Troupe who will present demonstrations and run beginner's workshops on Sunday only for the teenagers and young at heart. This is the second time Prima Spada has visited Ingham.

Onsite during the day are alltime favourites, the Pizza and Spaghetti Eating and the Greasy Pole competitions. For those who want to test their strength, we have the Tsingas competition on Saturday night. Each competitor has to see how many laps of the course they can complete while carrying weights, which is a real test of endurance. Or, try your hand at Bocce under the trees in the parklands for something less energetic.

Cooking demonstrations will return again this year. Join us at the second stage to learn the secrets of great Italian cooking with chef Jim Talladira.

Come for the Festival and stay for the entertainment. Or, consider extending your stay to enjoy all that the natural beauty of the Hinchinbrook Shire offers. We have the district's best bush and beach experiences, excellent shopping, friendly accommodation, and people.

Tickets for all our events are on sale now at Townsville Tickets: https:// townsvilletickets.com.au/event/17913

Other Events: Australian Italian Festival – Official Dinner

26th May – Royal Hotel

Tickets: Townsville Tickets https:// townsvilletickets.com.au/event/17916

Or from the Australian Italian Festival Office during May

Australian Italian Festival – Fashion Show – Cultural Fusion

2nd June – TYTO Parklands

Tickets: Townsville Tickets https:// townsvilletickets.com.au/event/17914

Or from the Australian Italian Festival Office during May https://www.australianitalianfestival. com.au/ for updates and further information.

Follow us on social media https:// www.facebook.com/aifestival/ or visit our website.

LEE PORTER TREASURER