The Furneaux Islands Festival (FIF), now in its 6th year is an opportunity for the Furneaux Islands communities to come together and celebrate our Island life, our community, culture and the musical heritage. Held annually in January, the festival stages a variety of events over three days at different venues across the Island.
The festival was conceived by Flinders Council and community members to provide a home-grown event which acknowledges the Island’s diversity, offering an alternative to the Australia Day celebrations on the 26th January.
“Evolving each year, the Furneaux Festival offers the diverse cultures of the islands an opportunity to come together to share our island life experiences, our entrepreneurial products, our food, our music and our history, whilst celebrating our good fortune in living here. Visitors are warmly welcomed and encouraged to join our celebrations of life, of being who we are, where we are.” Carol Cox, Mayor
The success of the Furneaux Islands Festival in providing the opportunity for an inclusive celebration of what it is to be a Furneaux Islander is highlighted by the words of Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Inc. (FIAAI) CEO, Maxine Roughley, ...there is a growing belief that celebrating Australia day on the 26th of January can never be a date that brings all Australians together... I am proud to be part of the Flinders Island community and proud of the people here today who by being here support an Australia that is inclusive, respectful and welcoming to all.
2019 Festival Events
Thursday 17th January
I shed My skin; A Furneaux Islands Story Tasmanian artist Jane Giblin
Emita Museum 5.30pm - 7pm
Friday 18th January
Acoustic Supper
Emita Hall 6pm - 10pm
Fine Flinders Island produce and a program of acoustic entertainment from local and visiting musicians.
Saturday 19th January
Festival Market Day
Whitemark 10am - 1pm
Local food and handmade/home grown produce, activities for kids, music & pop up entertainment.
Saturday 19th January
Verandah Music
The Tavern, Lady Barron 5pm - 10pm
Immerse yourself in the songs of local and visiting musicians and enjoy the stunning views!
Sunday 20th January
Festival Finale
Flinders Island Aboriginal Association
Lady Barron 11am - 3pm
A day of music from our visiting entertainers, family fun and a feast of local produce prepared by our guest chefs.