In a historic new chapter for the internationally acclaimed Festival, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) will relocate from Townsville to Cairns from 2026.
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.”
“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.”
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. 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,” said Mary Jo.
“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,” said Cairns Mayor, Cr Amy Eden. “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.”
“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,” said Mayor Eden.
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.
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.
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!
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.
In 2025, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music will be presented in Townsville from 25 July – 2 August. In 2026, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music will be presented in Cairns from 24 July – 1 August. For more information, visit: www.afcm.com.au for details.
Image: Australian Festival of Chamber Music Deputy Chair Jane Seawright and Cairns Mayor Amy Eden at Cairns Performing Arts Centre – photo by Brian Cassey