In the battle between Cairns and Townsville, Cairns has had a win – snatching the Australian Festival of Chamber Music from the North Queensland capital.
The two cities have long been competitors and both have two of the country’s most interesting festivals -the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) – one of the world’s most loved classical music celebrations. The AFCM will relocate from Townsville to Cairns from 2026, in a historic new chapter for the internationally acclaimed event.
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 in northern Queensland and honouring the rich legacy, loyal audiences and musical history forged and played in Townsville over 35 remarkable years.
A decision by Townville City Council not to back a new performing arts centre is almost certainly a key reason the AFCM was able to be lured to Cairns.
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 – 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,” AFCM chair Mary Jo Capps says.
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“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 July 25 to August 2. 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,” Capps says. “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 Amy Eden says the city is glad to be welcoming the AFCM.
‘This move is more than a cultural milestone – it’s a regional celebration’
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“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,” says 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.”
Following its most successful year to date in 2024, AFCM needs to sustain that momentum and to do so it requires modern infrastructure, increased accommodation and improved national and international access – all of which Cairns offers.
The 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 AFCM has presented more than 2000 concerts since 1991 and has forged an impressive international reputation as one of the best chamber music events in the world.
This year artistic director Jack Liebeck will oversee a festival that will feature 11 international artists, two making their Australian debut, 13 others making their AFCM debuts and three ensembles.
The music program of 30-plus concerts includes six world premieres, an Australian premiere, two island concerts plus a deep dive into some of classical music’s greatest feuds.
AFCM runs July 25 to August 2, in Townsville.