The new 'Tipi on the Bay' entrance is promising a festive gateway to 2024 Festival of Sails in Geelong.
Fairnie Park on the Geelong waterfront is gearing up to host the 181st running of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest keelboat racing regatta, the Festival of Sails, and this year, visitors will be greeted with a vibrant new entrance – the ‘Tipi on the Bay.’
Positioned proudly at the forefront of the festivities, the ‘Tipi on the Bay’ entrance promises a lively welcome to the weekend event happening from Friday, January 26, to Sunday, January 28. Festival-goers can expect an undercover outdoor bar, ample outdoor seating, and a prime spot in front of one of the two main entertainment stages. It’s going to be the summer hot spot for the entire weekend!
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
Festival of Sails Chairman, Paul Buchholz, shared the inspiration behind the new entrance, aiming to enhance the festival’s lively atmosphere from the get-go. “We wanted to establish the atmosphere right up front where you can’t miss it and then invite people to wander through and join us at the RGYC clubhouse, where our main entertainment and presentation areas will be,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of the ‘Tipi on the Bay’ as an additional space for people to relax and soak in the fantastic festival atmosphere. While the Festival of Sails remains a free event in 2024, Dr. Buchholz reminded attendees that it becomes a ticketed affair after 6 pm each day to manage the anticipated crowd.
“Tickets will be available via our website, and people must be able to show us the confirmation QR code on their phone to come and join the party,” he advised, urging everyone to book early due to limited ticket numbers and the “no QR code, no entry” policy for safety and enjoyment.
View this post on Instagram
Entertainment highlights for this year include performances by rock band Body Type, Aria winners Southern Sons, the Australian INXS Show, and emerging artists like the Mik Maks and the Royal Australian Navy Band. The festivities kick off on Friday, January 26, with a heritage RAAF 100 Squadron flyover at 1 pm and the annual “Festival of Sails Fireworks” at 9.30 pm to mark the regatta’s opening.
Dr. Buchholz also highlighted additional attractions such as the Discover Sailing experience on Eastern Beach, beach volleyball on Friday and Saturday, market stalls, and a new foredeck marquee offering a bird’s eye view of the main performance stage.
With an array of exciting events, Festival of Sails 2024 promises to be a premium sailing spectacle, and Dr. Buchholz sums it up, saying, “Why wouldn’t you want to be there!”
Event ticketing details can be found here.
