Cooktown’s unique history and culture is showcased annually at the Cooktown Discovery Festival. Photo: Facebook.
Community excitement is building with less than a month to go until the iconic Cooktown Discovery Festival weekend.
Locals and visitors will gather to commemorate and celebrate Cooktown’s unique history and culture in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes said the annual event was always a huge boost for the communities of the local government area, as well as Wujal Wujal and Hope Vale.
“As this year’s Cooktown Discovery Festival approaches, council is becoming increasingly excited about showcasing our history, culture and unique community character,” she said.
“The festival is a time to bring family and communities together to celebrate and reflect on our strength and resilience, and what makes Cape York Peninsula a great place to live, work and play.”
In addition to fan favourites including the re-enactment of Captain Cook’s landing, live performances and fun run, the Cape York Automotive Muster will return for the third time after successful runs in 2022 and 2023.
Long-term Cooktown resident and muster organiser Lauren Bowyer said the Discovery Festival weekend had been a highlight for as long as she could remember.
“I’ve been coming to the festival since I was a child, so there’s a lot that’s changed, but each year there’s something new to be excited about,” she said.
“I was raised in Cape Flattery, and it was just something we did; we drove over to Cooktown whenever the festival was on.
“Growing up in somewhere like Cape Flattery, where there were like seven children, coming to Cooktown was like coming to the big smoke, so coming to the festival was even better and there were definitely lots of fun memories.”
While Ms Bowyer has her radar targeted on making the muster the best edition yet, she said she could not wait to see the community unite for the festival, including the annual parade.
“The whole community coming together is always something exciting,” she said.
