The Sunshine Coast, Horizon Festival is returning this year and is set to be bigger than ever before. This year’s line-up includes over 200 different events across the Sunshine Coast, including art exhibitions, musical events, comedy, and other forms of creative expression and collaboration.

This festival is everything that connects, disrupts, delights, and inspires. As the signature multi-arts festival for the region, Horizon’s curated program of events celebrates local artists alongside Australian and international guests, building the capacity of local creative talent and exposing the audience to unique arts experiences. This refreshing festival provides a platform for collaboration and artistic expression, helps to develop emerging and experimental works, and encourages projects that foster growth and leave a positive legacy.

The 10-day program has an incredible diversity of talent, knowledge, and creativity on display across the Sunshine Coast region. Included in this line-up are the incredible William Close and the Earth Harp Collective. This experience is said to be an incredibly unique and unmissable experience for lovers of music and installation artistry. For one night only Mr Close will be performing two separate concerts in which he creates incredible music using instruments of his own design – instruments that transform the surrounding architecture itself into an instrument. According to the New York Times, this particular performance is like being inside a giant cello, as William turns the amphitheatre itself into his instrument with the strings themselves strung out over the heads of the enraptured crowd. This is the aptly named “Earth Harp”.

If you’re after something a little more up-beat then maybe the ‘Doofword’ event is more your taste. A weekend of experimental art, music and spoken word performances – join in as artists present a series of workshops, panel discussions and network and collaborate with your fellow expressionists. Or if you’re in the mood for a laugh, there are two fantastic icons of Australian comedy on offer as well; Akmal and Anh Do. Anh Do will be performing a stand-up show inspired by his best-selling memoire – “The Happiest Refugee”, while Akmal’s show ‘Transparent’, is sure to be filled with more of his signature style of hilarity with a side of slight offense.

Of course there’s plenty more on offer over the Festival’s full 10-day line-up, so there is sure to be something for everyone’s tastes and budget. For more information on the Festival, its events and performers, visit their website and start planning your social and cultural calendar from the 25th of August to the 3rd of September.