Entertainment
12 July, 2025
Suburban music success
STRATFORD’S quiet charm gave way to lively musical entertainment on Saturday as thousands flocked to the suburb for the first-ever ‘Live and Local: Stratford Sounds’ with some venues reporting record trading days.
From breakfast until late, the leafy streets buzzed with crowds, live music and community spirit as nine venues, including cafés, pubs, a distillery, and even a barbershop, transformed into intimate performance spaces.
“It was pure magic seeing our community come together,” said Division 6 Councillor Kristy Vallely. “People were dancing between venues, supporting local talent and turning our quiet little suburb into a live music playground. This is what community looks and sounds like,” she said.
Presented by Cairns Regional Council in partnership with the Live Music Office, APRA AMCOS and the Australian Government through Creative Australia, the event drew locals and visitors alike along a curated music trail that spotlighted emerging singer-songwriters and seasoned performers.
Organisers say early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with businesses thrilled by the boost and residents already asking: “Same time next year?”
