Sugar industry the centre of Whitsunday arts festival

The Proserpine sugar industry is back in the spotlight.

Two locals, Lyn Fenton and Bob Barford are excited to bring a new, innovative festival to the Whitsundays, called ‘Sweet’ and solely based on the cane industry.

Being involved with small and large festivals for over 30 years, Mr Barford wanted to put sugar with spice to create a festival showcasing musicians, artists, dancers and more.

Mr Barford said all artists will be local.

"It’s a country event, not aimed at tourists, and to by no means exclude tourists, but the focus is giving local people the chance to see what they can do," Mr Barford said.

"If it becomes a tourist attraction, that’s a bonus!" he said.

"What a better subject than to loosely base this on the sugar industry..that’s the backbone here."

"We are trying to give a good show for everyone to have a look at a good musical, fun event."

Ms Fenton said she hopes the one-of-a-kind festival will bring positivity to Proserpine.

"We want to step up morale for Proserpine and make a tribute to the sugar industry which started everything," she said.

"It may even make Proserpine an arts centre..there’s lots of talent here but they’re all hidden away."

The festival intends to bring various community groups, performers, stallholders and artists together in a combined show.

"The performances will be woven together to tell a story. It will be special," Ms Fenton said.

Many groups have already jumped onboard to be part of the festival however organisers are still looking for a shanty singer, lead male and female singers, backstage hands and help with sounds and lighting.

Mr Barford and Ms Fenton are hoping people with old cane equipment will come forward for a display. There will be a meet and greet evening at 6pm on June 2 at the Proserpine Entertainment and the festival will be held on July 21.
For more information contact Bob on 0407 895 011.