The rain, interest rates and the rising cost-of-living just can’t stop the Rangebow Festival, which runs from Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 August, on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

“With the generous support of Sunshine Coast Council, Visit Sunshine Coast and a range of business sponsors including Sydney-based immigration law firm, Ajuria Lawyers, The Rangebow Festival will soon be with us,” said Festival Director, Wayne Parcell.

“We are incredibly excited about the exceptional world premiere opening event, Sunrise Chorus, which will take place at Flaxton Gardens. It promises to be a sensory feast enhanced by the soundscape of an original composition by Sunshine Coast composer, Clifford Bradley, which captures this moment.”

The event will begin at sunrise, which will be 6.24am on Thursday morning.

“Our guests will be seated in a clear marquee at Flaxton Gardens, overlooking the Coast, and a beautiful selection of classical pieces will be performed by a specially created 11-piece orchestra of professional artists of national and international acclaim, thanks to Angel Strings.

“This free event, Sunrise Chorus, will be like no other experience. The majestic beauty of the awakening hinterland accompanied by the sensory delight of classical music will carry the audience through a landscape of outstanding natural beauty,” Mr Parcell said.

“And like many events that will take place during the Festival, this concert will be free to attend. Delivering on our promise following last year’s festival, some of the best of Rangebow 2024 is free,” said Mr Parcell.

“The Enchanted Garden, from Friday to Sunday, offers days of live music, entertainment, quirky performances and so much more. Everyone can find some joy in the festival, especially in these tough times.

“The line-up includes Frank and Louis, Shanleigh Rose, Lee Hardisty, Andy V and Curbside Carnies circus performances. You can bring the whole family, picnic on the Montville Village Green, enjoy a drink, grab a snack and relax. Let your hair down with the free Totally Tubular 80s Dance Extravaganza with singer-comedian Daryl Murphy. The kids get their own dance party too with the GLOWTOPIA kids disco – the kids get to dance it off and their parents are the crowd controllers!”

The calendar at this year’s Rangebow Festival promises something for everyone.

“Forage Fire Feast is a fiery First Nations gourmet food and culture experience at Flaxton Gardens that is already 50% sold and will sell-out as it did last year. Or, for something more risqué, After-dinner mintz, a Burlesque night with Scarlet Tinkabelle and The Kitty-Kats will take place in Maleny.

“If classical music is more your style, The Opera Symphony Premiere features the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra playing a classical and operatic program with acclaimed opera singers,” he said.

“And this is just a small snapshot of what is on offer this year.”

• Check the website for the full program of events music, nature, taste, arts, theatre, film and culture at www.therangebowfestival.org