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City Botanic Gardens to Light Up with Fire and Magic for Afterglow Experience

Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens will transform into a glowing night-time trail of flickering fire, light sculptures and gentle soundscapes when Afterglow premieres this September as part of Brisbane Festival.

A New Way to Experience the Gardens

Afterglow is a self-guided night-time trail through Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens, featuring fire sculptures, candlelight and immersive lighting displays. Designed for a slower pace, the 1.4-kilometre experience lets visitors move at their own rhythm.

The event runs nightly from 5 to 27 September 2025, with sessions every 15 minutes from 5:45 p.m. until late. Tickets went on sale Wednesday, 11 June and are available through the Brisbane Festival website and afterglowau.com. The trail is suitable for all ages and is fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams.

Focus on Art, Fire and Reflection

Event organisers say Afterglow blends creativity with natural elements, focusing on the emotional connection people have to fire across different cultures. While it features stunning fire displays and ambient music, the tone of the event is calm rather than high-energy.

Brisbane Festival’s artistic director Louise Bezzina said the trail encourages a quiet, mindful experience that respects the power of fire. Sony Music Entertainment, who helped produce Afterglow, called it a unique event that combines artistry, creativity and the outdoors in a way Brisbane hasn’t seen before.

Community and Safety at the Core

Local and international fire artists have shaped the Afterglow trail, designing each installation to blend with the natural beauty of the City Botanic Gardens. The event was planned with input from fire and wildlife experts to ensure it’s safe and environmentally responsible.

Brisbane Festival is also running an Afterglow Experience Giveaway to help more people take part. Four winners will each get two Anytime Passes and a $200 dining voucher to Naldham House.

JOIN GIVEAWAY HERE

Entry is open via the festival’s website to Australian residents aged 18 and over. The event is produced by Sony Music’s live entertainment arm and UK-based Culture Creative, known for similar trails worldwide.

Tickets, Passes and Festival Connection

Tickets are now available via the Brisbane Festival website and afterglowau.com, with prices ranging from $20 to $32 for standard entry and flexible passes between $38 and $65. Families can also take advantage of special bundles.

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The experience is one of several key features of the 2025 Brisbane Festival program, which runs citywide across September.

The festival is supported by Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government, but the focus remains firmly on community access to the arts. Afterglow’s format makes it suitable for everyone, from couples on a night out to families looking for something special after sunset.

Published 25-June-2025

Champagne-Dedicated Bar and Bistro Launching in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Winnifred's

A new hospitality venue is set to open in Fortitude Valley, introducing Brisbane’s first Champagne-focused bar and bistro with a strong emphasis on grower-producer wines.

Purpose-Built Venue Brings Champagne Culture to Brisbane

A multi-level Champagne bar and bistro is preparing to launch on Arthur Street in Fortitude Valley. Called Winnifred’s, the venue will feature a curated selection of more than 360 Champagne cuvées from 63 grower-producers and established houses, stored across a collection of approximately 14,000 bottles.

The venue marks a first for Brisbane, focusing solely on Champagne across multiple hospitality zones that vary in tone and purpose.

Fortitude Valley Champagne bar — *Photo Credit: Winnifred’s/Facebook*

Long-Term Vision and Planning

The concept originated more than a decade ago with founder Megan Nunn’s visits to the Champagne region in France. After years spent building connections with small-scale producers and importing their wines to Australia, Ms Nunn began the process of bringing a physical venue to life.

The chosen site in Fortitude Valley underwent a two-and-a-half-year transformation, led by Tim Stewart Architects in partnership with Bespoke Constructions. The resulting venue is divided into five Champagne-themed areas, including a bistro, a walk-in garden bar, a concierge and boutique retail space, a cellar bar, and a dedicated area for dining and tastings.

Collaboration and Interior Detail

Winnifred’s design was shaped through collaboration with Australian creatives and suppliers. Architect Tim Stewart worked with furniture designer Tom Fereday to produce chairs and tables that emphasise durability and tactile comfort, while integrating seamlessly with the space. Staff uniforms were created by Shilo Engelbrecht and Lydia Pearson, using reinterpreted traditional garments.

The interior also features ceramics from Luna Ceramics, as well as bespoke items from local and international makers, supporting a handcrafted approach across the venue.

Ethical Wine Focus

The wine program centres on ethically produced Champagne made through biodynamic and certified organic practices. The intent is to highlight wines that reflect their place of origin and the methods behind their production.

Guests can expect an evolving by-the-glass offering, with 150ml pours designed to allow more expressive tasting without compromise. The venue’s “W” pour line reflects this generous approach.

Champagne bar Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Winnifred’s/Facebook*

Food Offering by Experienced Chef

Chef Antoine Potier will lead the kitchen, bringing experience from e’cco Bistro and Restaurant Dan Arnold. His menu draws on culinary traditions from the Champagne region, with an emphasis on light, seasonal plates meant to accompany and enhance Champagne service.

Concept and Cultural Origins

The venue’s name and philosophy were shaped by personal experiences. Inspired by the welcoming nature of Ms Nunn’s grandmother and the growers she met in Champagne, Winnifred’s was created as a place of generous hospitality and connection — aiming to offer the same warmth found in the homes of French winemakers.

Opening Schedule

Winnifred’s is set to open in August, with reservations for the bistro opening two weeks prior to launch. The team has positioned the venue as a space for both casual drop-ins and longer meals, blending European design cues with Brisbane’s relaxed character.

Published 25-June-2025

Immersive Light Show Opens at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Eonarium

A large-scale light and sound installation has launched at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane CBD, offering a 30-minute immersive audiovisual experience themed around Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

Light and Sound Experience Arrives in Brisbane CBD

Following successful runs across Europe, a 30-minute immersive show titled “Enlightenment” has opened at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral on Elizabeth Street. The installation features synchronised visual projections and music, using Vivaldi’s reorchestrated The Four Seasons as its core soundtrack.

Presented by Eonarium, the experience uses video-mapping technology to project animations directly onto the cathedral’s interior. Visitors are taken through spring, summer, autumn, and winter via 3D visuals that align with the Gothic Revival architecture of the heritage-listed cathedral.

Historic Cathedral Transformed into Visual Canvas

The venue, Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church and the principal place of worship for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Located within the Brisbane CBD, the cathedral was selected for its historic character and internal scale, both of which support precise visual projection.

According to organisers, every surface of the venue has been digitally measured to allow seamless alignment of animated content. The production is entirely held indoors, with a runtime of 30 minutes per session. No food or drinks are allowed inside, and there is no on-site parking, though several public transport options connect nearby.

Audience Engagement and Feedback

The experience has been described by past European audiences as highly immersive and visually captivating, with some international attendees returning to see the show multiple times. While no official Brisbane-specific feedback is yet available, the show’s reception overseas has averaged over 4.5 out of 5 in viewer satisfaction.

Visitors in Brisbane are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes early. The show is accessible to all ages and wheelchair users, but it is described as a sensory experience and may not be suitable for all individuals.

Enlightenment light show — *Photo Credit: Eonarium*

Ticketing and Group Bookings

Bookings for “Enlightenment” are open through the official ticketing platform, with options available for standard entry, school excursions, and corporate events. Group bookings are supported for parties of more than 15 individuals, with tailored experiences available on request.

The show runs from 5 July to 27 September 2025, with varying schedules throughout the week. No merchandise is available on-site, and there is no virtual reality component included in the experience.

Saint Stephen’s Cathedral — *Photo Credit: Eonarium*

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What’s Next

“Enlightenment” is set to remain open at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral until late September, bringing a fusion of classical music and modern digital artistry into Brisbane CBD. The production continues to draw visitors seeking an immersive and contemplative cultural experience within the city’s central district.

Published 24-June-2025

BIGSOUND 2025: Fortitude Valley Prepares for Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Music Showcase

Photo Credit: BIGSOUND 2025/ Facebook

Over 120 rising music acts will transform Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley into the southern hemisphere’s largest music discovery hub, BIGSOUND 2025, offering a glimpse into the future of Australian and international music.

This major music industry event, known as BIGSOUND, will take over 18 vibrant venues across the Valley for three jam-packed nights, running from Tuesday, 2 September to Friday, 5 September 2025. A single wristband will grant music enthusiasts access to all the performances.

A Launchpad for Future Stars

*Photo Credit:* *BIGSOUND 2025/ Facebook*

BIGSOUND has a long history of being a crucial launching pad for artists who go on to achieve widespread fame, with past attendees including successful acts like Flume, Lime Cordiale, The Jungle Giants, and Vera Blue. This year’s lineup continues that tradition, featuring a diverse range of genres from punk to pop, indie-rock, folk, country, electronic, and hip hop.

Among the highly anticipated acts are WAFIA, known for her soulful electronic and R&B blend, and neo-soul favourite KAIIT, who returns with exciting new material. The program also includes Perth’s 12-year-old hip-hop sensation Inkabee, indie-pop breakout Azure Ryder, beloved Brisbane artist Hatchie, and high-energy rockers The Southern River Band.

Festival Programmers Casey O’Shaugnessy and Katie Rynne expressed immense pride in the selected artists, highlighting the incredible depth and creativity present in Australia’s music scene. They stated that the artists chosen reflect truly exciting things happening with music.

Community and Industry Collaboration

The event is a significant draw for both music fans and industry experts looking for the next big thing. Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek recognised BIGSOUND 2025 as a key event that brings together musicians, industry managers, and visitors to Queensland, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a lively cultural destination.

He said the government supports BIGSOUND to back local artists, venues, and businesses, helping to create a flourishing live music environment, especially leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

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The festival encourages attendees to enjoy a “choose-your-own-adventure” experience, moving between different venues that offer everything from open-air stages to intimate spaces.

The unique opportunity for artists to perform for both a keen audience of music lovers and industry delegates makes BIGSOUND a standout event in this part of the world. Programmers O’Shaugnessy and Rynne extended their gratitude to all artists who applied, noting the high quality, creativity, and variety of submissions received this year.

Published Date 24-Jun-2025

National Police Legacy Day Honoured in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Legacy /Facebook

National Police Legacy Day has been formally recognised and observed in Brisbane CBD, acknowledging the long-standing support provided to the families of fallen or terminally ill police officers.

Queensland Leads National Recognition

The first National Police Legacy Day has been established as an annual occasion to acknowledge the services of Police Legacy organisations. Brisbane CBD marked the event on 17 June, recognising its historical ties to the program.

Queensland Police Legacy was the first such organisation in Australia. It was established on 17 June 1971 to provide assistance to families of Queensland police officers who had died or were suffering terminal illness.

Origins and Early Support in Brisbane CBD

Queensland Police Legacy began with an initiative to formalise the informal practice of assisting grieving police families. Since its inception, the organisation has assisted 285 families and supported 507 dependent children.

The first initiative came when Queensland officers recognised the need for structured support beyond the tradition of “passing the hat around.” The result was the creation of a charity that has since expanded nationally, with eight Police Legacy organisations now operating across Australia.

Legacy in Action

The organisation provides financial assistance and practical support to the families of officers, primarily focusing on the educational needs of dependent children. This includes long-term programs and a continuing relationship with families in need.

*Photo Credit: Queensland Police Legacy /Facebook*

One example is the Lees family from Toowoomba, supported after the 2014 passing of Detective Sergeant Darren Lees, who served in the Queensland Police for over two decades. His widow, Kathy, and their children received support that ranged from financial aid to emotional guidance and ongoing community connection.

A National Symbol

The newly launched National Police Legacy Day is symbolised by the Police Legacy Daisy, modelled after the Michaelmas Daisy—associated with St Michael, the patron saint of police.

Supporters are encouraged to wear the daisy pin annually on 17 June to recognise serving officers and remember those who have died. The pins are available for purchase through the Queensland Police Legacy office on North Quay or by email order.

Broader Community Impact

In addition to Queensland Police Legacy, the national observance is supported by organisations such as AFP Legacy and NSW Police Legacy. Families including Legatees Emma and Chris have also shared their experiences to mark the occasion, highlighting the shared mission of providing hope and resilience.

The national website, offers further information about Police Legacy organisations and how individuals can contribute or access support.

What’s Next

National Police Legacy Day will be commemorated annually on 17 June, reinforcing Brisbane CBD’s key role in the origin and ongoing efforts of Queensland Police Legacy. The event aims to raise awareness and sustain community support for policing families now and into the future.

Published 20-June-2025

Significant Tree Tour Returns to City Botanic Gardens

Photo Credit: BCC

Did you know that the City Botanic Gardens will soon be hosting a guided walk showcasing 37 “significant trees” recognised by the National Trust for their cultural, environmental, or botanical value?

National Trust Walk Features Listed Trees

A free guided tour of the City Botanic Gardens will take place on 23 July, inviting participants to explore 37 trees recognised by the National Trust for their cultural, environmental, or botanical value. The tour, led by volunteer guides, highlights trees identified as nationally, state or regionally significant.

Longstanding Garden Site with Cultural Roots

Located on Alice Street in Brisbane City, the City Botanic Gardens is Queensland’s oldest public garden. It was formally declared a botanical reserve in 1855. Initially used for crop cultivation by the penal colony, the gardens grew significantly under the guidance of the first curator, Walter Hill. By the late 19th century, it had expanded to nearly 28 acres and featured a variety of native and exotic plantings, including bunya pines and fig trees that remain in place today.

In 1997, the site was officially listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, recognising it as a living collection of historical and botanical importance. The gardens now span 18 hectares along the Brisbane River. It also offers public facilities, educational programs, and self-guided or guided walks.

Event Details and Access

The 90-minute guided walk begins at the Information Kiosk near the Queensland University of Technology’s Main Drive. Designed for participants aged 16 and above, it includes moderate walking across uneven ground, gentle slopes, and stairs. During guide explanations, no seating is provided.

Attendees are advised to wear enclosed shoes and sun protection and bring a water bottle. The event is free. However, bookings are essential.

The walk is scheduled for Wednesday, 23 July, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. General Ticket sales open on 7 July. It will close at 12 p.m. on Monday, 21 July.

heritage trees Brisbane — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Facilities and Venue Information

In addition to guided tours, the gardens feature picnic areas, a children’s playground, an accessible café, and multiple walking routes. The Gardens Club café is located in the heritage-listed Curators Cottage. It operates daily and contributes profits to community causes.

The City Botanic Gardens are open 24 hours a day. However, specific facilities operate within scheduled hours. Customised group walks can also be arranged via BCC with six weeks’ notice.

Booking and Contact Information

Interested participants can book through Eventbrite. Contact BCC on (07) 3403 2535 for enquiries. Walks may be impacted by weather conditions or guide availability.

Published 20-June-2025

Queensland Rail Safety Gaps Exposed in Report on How a Sneezing Fit Almost Resulted in Disaster

Photo Credit: John Robert McPherson/CC BY-SA 4.0

Two years ago, a Queensland Rail train narrowly avoided disaster after its driver, afflicted by a sudden sneezing fit, failed to stop at a red signal during the morning peak near Fortitude Valley. The incident, recently revealed in a report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), highlights critical points of improvement in current rail safety systems.

Incident Overview

The ATSB has just released its final report on the incident, which occurred on 24 May 2023, when a train on the Coopers Plains to Ferny Grove service ran a red signal shortly after departing Fortitude Valley. The driver, who later tested positive for COVID‑19, suffered a sneezing episode and failed to register the red aspect illuminated by the signal. The train passed the stop signal before the emergency brake was applied, coming to a halt approximately 64 metres beyond it—just short of another train waiting about 300 metres ahead at Bowen Hills.

Systemic Safety Weaknesses

Although the train’s automatic warning system (AWS) sounded an alert, it did not prevent the SPAD (Signal Passed At Danger). The ATSB report noted AWS alerts are frequent and uniform, which may desensitise drivers. In this case, the driver failed to respond to the warning amid the sneezing episode.

Importantly, Queensland Rail’s signalling framework lacks automated alerts to central control in the event of a SPAD. Currently, the system depends entirely on drivers self-reporting such incidents. The ATSB cautioned this approach is flawed because a driver may not always realise they have run a red signal.

ATSB Recommendations

The ATSB calls on Queensland Rail to reassess its SPAD risk management and implement additional safeguards to prevent undetected SPAD occurrences. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell emphasised that most collisions are preceded by a SPAD event, making prevention vital.

Fortitude Valley Queensland Rail — Photo Credit: Chris Olszewski/CC BY-SA 4.0

Queensland Rail’s Response

In its response, Queensland Rail affirmed that safety remains its top priority. The operator highlighted several measures already in place, such as a dedicated SPAD prevention taskforce, driver training programs, and the progressive rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS)—an advanced technology capable of automatically stopping trains if drivers miss signals.

Other improvements include increasing the volume of alarm sounds, upgrading to brighter LED signal lights, adding supplemental warning signs, and refining SPAD hazard assessment protocols — steps Queensland Rail says have led to a notable decrease in SPAD incidents in recent months.

Humanising the Issue

This SPAD event underlines how routine occurrences—such as sudden illness—can interact with technical system gaps and immeasurable human factors to produce near disasters. It reflects the complexity of ensuring safety in a rail network that relies heavily on driver vigilance and raises a question of whether technology can—and should—compensate for momentary human failings.

Published 20-June-2025

Vision Disagreement Leads to Closure of Acclaimed Brisbane CBD Eatery Pneuma

Photo Credit: Pneuma Restaurant/ Instagram

The acclaimed Pneuma restaurant in Brisbane CBD is set to close its doors following co-owner and celebrated chef Matt Blackwell’s decision to step away from the popular establishment he helped create.

Blackwell’s final service at Pneuma will be on 6 July. The restaurant first opened in November 2023 in the light-filled CBD heritage space that was previously home to Greenglass.

A Divergence in Vision

Blackwell communicated his departure in an email to guests, stating it was a difficult but necessary decision to leave Pneuma. He expressed gratitude to diners for their support and belief in what they were building. Speaking about his choice, Blackwell described it as “heartbreaking,” explaining that he had invested nearly two years of effort into the venture. He noted that while the restaurant’s daily operations were successful, its overall direction had moved away from his personal vision, making it the right time for him to depart.

Dan Arnold, the other co-owner and a prominent chef known for Restaurant Dan Arnold and La Cache a Vin, confirmed that Blackwell’s exit effectively ends Pneuma as it is currently known, given Blackwell’s role as its creative driving force.

Pneuma’s Acclaimed Run

Despite its relatively short existence, Pneuma quickly became a significant name in Brisbane’s dining scene. It gained attention for its seasonal menu, which intelligently used different proteins. The restaurant earned numerous accolades, including being recognised as one of Queensland’s finest restaurants in the 2025 Good Food Guide. Matt Blackwell, previously celebrated for his work at GOMA Restaurant, and Dan Arnold are highly regarded figures in the city’s culinary world.

Future Plans for the Site

In a statement, Dan Arnold thanked Matt Blackwell for his dedication and for “breathing life” into Pneuma, helping it become what it is today from its beginnings as a pop-up. Arnold stated that he intends to keep the tenancy on George Street in Brisbane City. He plans to close Pneuma after the final service on July 6 but will use the site to launch a new concept soon.

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A post shared by pneuma (@pneuma_restaurant)

What’s Next for the Chefs

Matt Blackwell plans to take a break from the kitchen to consider his next career move. He has indicated that his future endeavours may involve opening his own restaurant, rather than working for someone else, and did not rule out the possibility of it being outside of Queensland. Meanwhile, Dan Arnold will focus on developing the new restaurant concept for the Pneuma site.

Published Date 19-Jun-2025

City Botanic Gardens to Host NAIDOC Week Cultural Celebration

Brisbane’s historic City Botanic Gardens will come alive with music, dance, and community spirit this NAIDOC Week (6-13 July 2025) as it plays host to Yaggara Kakka – Walkin’ in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors.

Read: Fortitude Valley Program Helps Latina Women Build Stronger Businesses

The one-day gathering, to be held on Sunday 6 July, will transform the gardens’ ceremonial platform into a vibrant space for cultural celebration and connection. From 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m, visitors will be invited to experience the richness of First Nations heritage through storytelling, traditional and contemporary performances, arts, market stalls and children’s rides.

Set against the natural beauty of the gardens, the event offers an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and reflect on this year’s national NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Organisers say the location is a fitting stage for honouring the enduring connection between land, people and culture.

The day will showcase a diverse lineup of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers and artists, with a strong focus on cultural education and intergenerational learning. Community members will also be encouraged to engage in open dialogue and share in the stories that have shaped and continue to shape the city now known as Brisbane.

Access to the event is via Garden Point Road, and the area will be an alcohol- and drug-free zone to ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere.

Read: Fortitude Valley Celebrates Top Artists at 2025 Queensland Music Awards

Support for the celebration has come from local business sponsors and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with a sausage sizzle and other offerings available later in the day—at no cost to attendees.

For more details, contact organiser Louisa Bonner on 0418 744 645 or email ngadmin.coord@mail.com.

Published 19-June-2025

Brisbane’s First All-Glass Venue to Open at Roma Street Parkland

Brisbane’s first and only all-glass venue is set to open later this year, bringing a one-of-a-kind event space to the heart of Roma Street Parkland.

Read: Fortitude Valley’s Music Scene Reignited as Blute’s Hosts Gigs Five Nights a Week

Known as The Glo House, the striking glass-walled pavilion is the brainchild of Glo Events, one of the city’s leading event planners. Scheduled to launch in October 2025, the transparent structure will offer guests an immersive experience in nature—surrounded by lush gardens by day and Brisbane’s sparkling skyline by night.

Inspired by the design of greenhouses and conservatories, The Glo House at Roma Street Parkland promises a visual spectacle while providing year-round comfort. Behind the glamour is serious function: it will be fully equipped with a high-spec audiovisual and sound system, climate control to handle Queensland’s summer heat, and space to host up to 400 guests.

Glo Events founders Pete Cunningham and Anthony Ikin, who bring backgrounds in international performance and reality television, described their vision as a venue that creates “glo-ments”: unforgettable, high-impact experiences designed to elevate any event.

“While the Glo House is still being brought to life, we’re sharing inspiration from around the world to give you a glimpse of the magic to come. These stunning structures have helped shape our vision, and we can’t wait to show you Brisbane’s own,” Glo Events announced.

More than just a pretty backdrop, The Glo House was created to fill a gap in Brisbane’s premium event spaces. Its transparent structure is designed with both style and flow in mind, allowing it to suit everything from weddings and brand launches to fashion shows and milestone celebrations.

Read: Open-Air Concert Series Launching in Brisbane CBD This September

As the city gears up for its Olympic future, The Glo House adds another layer of sophistication to Brisbane’s cultural and event offering. Bookings are already being taken ahead of the venue’s official opening in October. For more details, visit Glo Events’ website.

Published 17-June-2025