By Jeremy Sollars
CHERRABAH Resort at Elbow Valley was home last weekend to Manifest 2016, a three-day celebration of music, arts, colour and creativity which drew more than 700 visitors.
Cherrabah operations manager Fran Edney said she was pleased with the outcome of the festival.
“A lot of planning went into this event working together with both Manifest and Queensland Police Services to ensure a safe environment,” she said.
“It was a successful event with no major issues where security or medics were required.
“Money was brought into the region through the hire of event equipment, supplies including water, food and fuel plus the incidentals.
“The people who attended the festival as a whole were well behaved, polite and friendly.”
A spokeswoman for the Manifest management team said there had been “a strong police presence throughout the festival” and said only a small percentage of attendees had been charged with drug or alcohol offences.
“While we cannot control what people bring to the site, we are confident that all people in attendance had a safe and enjoyable time,” she said.
“All precautions were taken to ensure the site was kept in a pristine condition, with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers working tirelessly, who we couldn’t produce this event without.”
She said Manifest featured up and coming and established international, interstate and local acts “with a blend of electronic and live bands across a plethora of musical genres”.
“Manifest 2016 also hand-picked an array of the most talented theatre, dance, comedy, fire, acrobatic, aerial and roving performers from South-East Queensland and beyond,” she said.
Neighbouring property owner Amanda Keogh praised the festival organisers, noting the “amazing art installations and sculptures that beamed at night”.
“We really enjoyed the markets – I bought something different every time we walked through,” she said.
“The clothing, handmade jewellery, food and craft stalls showed there are so many talented people out there.
“Our own food stall raised over $1500 for the Wildash Rural Fire Brigade”.
“You know people feel OK to be there and show their differences – just be themselves.”
For more information on the 2016 festival and upcoming plans visit www.manifestqld.com
