F R E E      C O N C E R T

This concert offers a free taste of all the Festival delights, with popular, jazz and classical events. And there's even a preview of the exciting Fire Event to end the Festival.
Compered by popular Channel 10 personalities Marie-Louise Thiele and Glenn Taylor, the concert features Venetta Fields, the legendary Graeme Bell All Stars, Australia's Queen of Yodelling Mary Schneider, Sydney gospel group The Heavenly Light Quartet, Margaret Roadknight, and the Queensland Youth Symphony conducted by John Curro.
Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, rug up and prepare for some free family fun at the big outdoor concert at the Riverstage in the City Botanic Gardens.
And for some extra excitement, come early and catch Brisbane's first busking competition, which begins at 4pm.

Busting to Busk??
Now's your chance!!

If you've ever fancied yourself as a busker, turn up to the River Stage at 4pm before the free concert, and have a go! This is a chance for anyone who has always wanted to perform in public to strut their stuff, whether it's murdering Mozart, parodying Puccini, harmonizing on handbells or bastardizing the bagpipes.
Jugglers, school bands, vocal groups, even wobble-board players and fire-eaters are welcome. Street performers of all genres, singly or in groups, are invited to roll up and battle for the two cash prizes of $1000 and $500, to be awarded by a carefully selected judge totally unbiased, of course! There will also be a $250 prize for the best costume or physical appearance.