Rangebow Festival: From the Range to the heart of Nambour

Festival Director Wayne Parcell “Our theme is about everyone being on stage,” he said. “It’s immersive. We want people to leave with something more than just a show; they take away a new experience.”

In its fourth year, the Rangebow Festival is reaching beyond the Blackall Range, embracing Nambour and the broader Coast in a move that celebrates culture, community and inclusivity.

Guiding the growth is Festival Director Wayne Parcell and his belief in Nambour’s emerging cultural energy.

“The motivation for expanding was to take what’s amazing and fantastic from the Range and take it to the broader part of the Sunshine Coast,” he said. “Nambour is really developing into an interesting place, with curious events, locations, venues growing up there. We wanted to be part of that – for Nambour and for us.”

He said it wasn’t just about geography but a celebration of community. “The festival’s about going somewhere different. It’s about breaking down barriers. It’s about inclusion, it’s about diversity, and Nambour offers all of those things.”

What’s Coming to Nambour Cinema & Events Centre

• The Rangebow Festival weekend kicks off on Friday 10 October with After Dinner Mintz, A Bit A Sweet, a sparkling cabaret of joy and comedy featuring drag queen Jacqui Randa, comedian Anisa Nandaula and boylesque star Rhys Lightening.

• On Saturday 11 October, the ever-popular Drag Pageant – Free To Be returns, promising outrageous outfits, jaw-dropping performances and two glittering titles. Known for its sell-out crowds, the pageant is a celebration of transformation, glamour and unapologetic self-expression.

• On Sunday 12 October, music lovers can enjoy Every Breath You Take – ATOMIC OZ, a live tribute to Blondie, Sting and The Police.

• Remote Control: A quirky, live TV-style game show brimming with audience participation and surprise celebrity guests, also on October 12.

All four events will be held at the Nambour Cinema and Events Centre.

This expansion isn’t accidental – it’s evidence of the festival’s rising appeal said Mr Parcell.

“The audience has told us how much they love the festival,” he said. “So let’s take it to a bigger crowd and make it even more iconic for the Sunshine Coast.”

Rangebow has always been about more than entertainment. Mr Parcell described its core mission as offering a platform for everyone:

“The meaning behind it was about giving individuals a place in their community … celebrating the diversity of individuals in the context of their community and their place in it. We want to celebrate difference and inclusion – through art, culture, experiences that take people out of the ordinary.”

“We moved from August to October because August can be cold and wet. October should be warmer,” he said.

With accessible ticket prices from $20 for “Remote Control” and $30–$40 for cabaret and drag shows, organisers aim to keep the festival inclusive.

Parcell’s message is simple. “Our theme is about everyone being on stage,” he said. “It’s immersive. We want people to leave with something more than just a show; they take away a new experience.”

Mr Parcell was grateful for local supporters: Sunshine Coast Council, Nambour Cinema & Events Centre and production partners such as Q Events. “They’re all behind us – now we just need the community to get behind us too. We’ve got to sell those tickets.”

• Go to www.therangebowfestival.org.