Celebrating the Past, Composing the Future:
Australian Festival of Chamber Music to move to Cairns in 2026
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) – one of the world’s most loved classical music celebrations – will relocate from Townsville to Cairns from 2026, in a historic new chapter for the internationally acclaimed Festival (filmed vision and stills included at base).
The decision follows a period of positive growth and record-breaking attendance in 2024 and is driven by a need for continued growth and a vision for continued excellence, artistic innovation, and enhanced patron experiences – while remaining proudly at home in northern Queensland, and honouring the rich legacy, loyal audiences, and extraordinary musical history forged and played in Townsville over 35 remarkable years.
AFCM has called Townsville home since 1991, helping shape the city’s cultural identity and build a global reputation for music in the tropics. The move north to Cairns signals the next chapter in the Festival’s legacy – one that will embrace audience growth, increased access and expanded programs, while continuing to honour the spirit, warmth and support of the community that helped create it.
“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.
In the meantime, the 2025 Festival offers an opportunity to celebrate AFCM in its birthplace.
“Expect a heartfelt celebration of past, present, and future, filled with music, memories, and milestone moments,” said Mary Jo. “Townsville will always be a part of our story. We honour its enormous contribution and look forward to a farewell year filled with gratitude, great music and a standing ovation for the city that raised us.”
Cairns Mayor, Cr Amy Eden said, “We are incredibly proud to be part of a new chapter of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, when it moves to Cairns from 2026. This internationally celebrated event has a remarkable legacy, and we are honoured it has chosen our city as the next stage of its journey. This move is more than a cultural milestone – it’s 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.”
Why Cairns, Why Now? Growth and Future Sustainability
Following its most successful year to date in 2024, AFCM is poised for continued growth. To sustain that momentum, the Festival requires modern infrastructure, increased accommodation and improved national and international access – all of which Cairns offers.
Enhanced Patron Experience
The Festival’s relocation allows opportunity for new audiences and for a wonderfully integrated experience, where audiences can walk between venues, accommodation, restaurants, and public spaces – enriching both the cultural immersion and visitor appeal.
Expansion of Community and Capacity-Building Programs
AFCM is significantly expanding its Pathways Program – with the support of major philanthropic foundations including The Ian Potter Foundation and The Donald and Joan Wilson Foundation – to strengthen emerging artist development, regional school workshops, and international exchanges. Increased access to national and global connections will strengthen and grow these initiatives, ensuring long-term impact. Relocation to Cairns enhances national and global connectivity while also deepening AFCM’s long-standing commitment to regional Queensland.
The essence of AFCM – its extraordinary music, passionate audiences and top-tier artists from around the world – remains unchanged. This move opens up opportunities for programming, collaborations and outreach, and enables the Festival to grow and innovate so that it continues to deliver music in the tropics for 35 more years!
FAST FACTS:
- AFCM has presented over 2,000 concerts since its first Festival in 1991
- The 2024 Festival broke attendance records and expanded youth and community engagement programs
- AFCM’s relocation has been supported through consultation with stakeholders, artists, audiences, and government at all levels
ABOUT AFCM 2025
Since its inception, the AFCM has forged an impressive international reputation as one of the best chamber music events in the world, and this year is no exception with Artistic Director Jack Liebeck creating a compelling program that is as spiritually and intellectually enriching as it is celebratory; and an artistic line-up that is exceptional and exciting. A total of 36 extraordinary musicians will travel to Townsville including 11 international artists, two making their Australian debut, 13 artists making their AFCM debuts and three ensembles. The music program of 30+ concerts includes an incredible SIX world premieres, an Australian premiere, two breathtaking Island concerts plus a deep dive into some of classical music’s greatest feuds.
AFCM 2025: 25 JULY – 2 AUGUST, TOWNSVILLE
AFCM 2026: 24 JULY – 1 AUGUST, CAIRNS
2025 TICKETS ON SALE HERE www.afcm.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #afcm
Options for full Festival passes include Gold and Gold Plus subscriptions, or pick and choose concerts with a Silver or Silver Plus subscription, or a three-night holiday package at afcm.com.au
AFCM is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council.
FILMED VISION HERE: VNR and overlay. Includes:
- Interview with Australian Festival of Chamber Music Deputy Chair Jane Seawright
- Interview with Australian Festival of Chamber Music Executive Director Ricardo Peach
- Interview with Cairns Mayor, Amy Eden
STILLS HERE: includes:
Shots of Australian Festival of Chamber Music Deputy Chair Jane Seawright with Cairns Mayor, Amy Eden at the Cairns Performing Arts Complex, shots of Cairns, shots of AFCM concerts
Contact details:
Kath Rose 0416 291 493
