Australian Festival of Chamber Music to Move to Cairns in 2026

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) will move from Townsville to Cairns in 2026, opening a new chapter for the event.

Following a record-breaking 2024 Festival, the relocation aims to support future growth, improving the music program, enhancing the audience experience, and reaching more people, all while staying in northern Queensland.

The Festival will honour its 35-year history and loyal following in Townsville, where it has been a cultural fixture since 1991.

“This is not a departure from northern Queensland – it is an evolution within it,” said AFCM Chair Mary Jo Capps, AM.

“We are deeply grateful to Townsville for 35 extraordinary years of support and look forward to celebrating that legacy in full during our 2025 Festival from 25 July to 2 August,” she said. “From 2026, we look forward to growing the Festival’s impact even further from its new home in Cairns – a city with world-class tourism appeal, fit-for-purpose venues, and a strong appetite for cultural connection,” she said.

The 2025 Festival will celebrate AFCM’s roots in Townsville with music, memories, and milestone moments. “Townsville will always be part of our story,” Capps added.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden welcomed the Festival’s arrival, calling it “a new chapter” and “a regional celebration.”

The Festival’s commitment to free community concerts, youth outreach, and global artistic exchange aligns with our vision for a more connected, creative, and vibrant Cairns,” said Mayor Eden. “Cairns is a natural fit, a place where world-class music meets world-heritage wonders, and where new audiences will be able to walk between venues, accommodation, restaurants, and public spaces – enriching both the city’s cultural experiences and visitor appeal.

“The Festival’s move is a win for our region, our arts sector, and our local economy, bringing new audiences, new opportunities, and an even stronger cultural connection across northern Queensland.”

AFCM Festival Dates:

Tickets for AFCM 2025 are available at www.afcm.com.au.

Friday, July 25th – Saturday, August 2nd 2025
Townsville, QLD

Friday, July 24th – Saturday, August 1st 2026
Cairns, QLD

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