Brisbane Festival's fire extravaganza postponed amid bushfire crisis
A Brisbane Festival event that promised spheres of leaping flames, sculptures that flicker and dance and fiery urns has been postponed in the wake of the Queensland bushfires devastation.
Fire Gardens, that was scheduled to begin Wednesday, will now be held from September 18-21 next week following the total fire ban across south-east Queensland.
Ticketholders will be contacted about the new dates and can arrange ticket transfers.
“Brisbane Festival is responsive to community concerns and sensitive to the anguish of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods in the fires," Brisbane Festival board of directors chair Paul Spiro said.
“Our thoughts are with our fellow Queenslanders affected by the bushfires."
Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said keeping residents safe was of the highest importance during this difficult time.
“The safety of Brisbane’s residents is our first priority and due to current conditions, we are supportive of Brisbane Festival's position on this,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the Queenslanders affected by ongoing bushfires and I thank our firefighters and emergency service workers for their commitment to protecting our communities.”
Fire Gardens will transform the City Botanic Gardens will feature 1000 individual flames illuminating a promenade through the gardens.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the disaster relief charity GIVIT can do so at the festival's Treasury Brisbane Arcadia hub or when purchasing Brisbane Festival tickets online.
The full program of theatre, music, dance, opera, circus and major public events is available here.
Brisbane Festival runs from September 6-28.