This Christmas, let your loved ones feel extra special with handmade gifts. If you’re wondering where to buy beautiful handmade creations near Fortitude Valley, don’t forget to check out these upcoming Christmas markets in the city.
The Soul Nook Collective has partnered with Discover Ipswich for their annual Christmas market, which will take place on the last Saturday of November, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m at Queen Street in Marburg.
You can find many boutique stalls featuring handcrafted goodies including Mae and Me Designs, where you can buy macrame plant hangers, wall decors, and tote bags; and A Stitch of Hope, known for its adorable bags and clutches.
Home fragrance store Little Coastal Co will be joining, alongside local olives growers Watercress Creek Olives and Limes, and engraved gifts maker Fletcher and Albert Designs.
Imbibis Craft Distillery, the first artisan distillery in the Ipswich region, will also be at the markets to showcase their gins.
Shop ‘til you drop at King George Square this December, because this market will be featuring over 60 local designers of handmade goods. Now in its 12th year, the BrisStyle Twilight Christmas Market showcases all sorts of goodies, right from cleverly crafted ceramics to all-natural skincare.
Non-profit organisation BrisStyle is under the direction of Operations Manager Belinda Harris, who leads the group’s initiative in providing Brisbane makers with meaningful opportunities to connect with their audiences.
“Our creative minds were among the first to be negatively impacted by COVID 19. By shopping with Brisbane-based designers and buying directly from the maker there is no better way to give much-needed support to the local creative economy as we start to recover in 2022,” said Ms Harris.
Shopping at Christmas markets does not only let you support small businesses. It’s also a fun experience which keeps the whole family entertained with live music and food trucks to fill you up with yummy treats.
The good times are back at the annual Valley Fiesta in Fortitude Valley! This year’s party will be extra special because it’s the festival’s 25th year!
Happening from the 25th to the 27th of November 2022, creatives and musicians will once again showcase their talents during the three-day extravaganza. This free event, described as “a street festival like no other,” is mounted by QMusic to help aspiring individuals get their foot at the door of the industry. More than 45 homegrown talents will be performing for the crowd.
Friday, 25 November 2022
On opening night, the whole stretch of King St will support live musicians who will play at various stages by serving tasty dishes at affordable prices in a fun food fair on the street. The King Street Food Fair will run from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Valleyfiesta.com.au
Saturday, 26 November 2022
Saturday’s activities will include the Hidden Lanes Festivals featuring buskers, artists, face painters, and heaps of market stalls for the whole family to enjoy. Look for some treasures to enjoy with the entertainment along Winn Lane, Bakery Lane and California Lane from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: Valleyfiesta.com.au
At night, various Fortitude Valley venues for ages 18 and above will run live events at these times and locations, including the debut of an astounding burlesque show!
TIME
SHOW
LOCATION
7:15 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
ACCESS ALL AREAS – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
The Sound Garden with Voli K
6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
HOLY HOLY – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
Fortitude Music Hall with WIIGZ AND Alter Boy
8:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
GORDI – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
The Brightside (Outdoors) with Jess Day and Cloe Terare
7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
KIAN – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
Wolly Mammoth with Dean Brady and Ash Lune
6:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
DULCIE – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
Ric’s Backyard With DANCINGWATER and Andy Martin
8:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
SCRAPS
EC Venue With I Was Eros, Arig, Guppy and Doggie Heaven
8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
MOSS
Kickons
8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
SIREN AT STRANDED
unique and alluring night of voice, circus, burlesque, and drag artists
Sunday, 27 November 2022
The last day’s activities will feature art, jazz, and a cultural celebration to keep the party vibe alive with a series of workshops as well as an initiative for social change.
After recently sharing the stage with world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, the Brisbane Chorale is all set for another epic performance at the Brisbane City Hall, presenting Franz Joseph Haydn’s masterpiece ‘The Creation’ together with the Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir and the Sinfonia of St Andrew’s this November.
Formed in 1983, the Brisbane Chorale has earned for itself a reputation for excellence in choral performance. Performing with the great Andrea Bocelli, his children (son Matteo and 10-year-old daughter Virginia) and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra was a magical choir experience for the nearly four-decade-old symphonic choir. Asked about their experience at the Bocelli concert that wowed 13,000 enthusiastic fans at Boondall Entertainment Centre, Music Director Emily Cox AM said that there was plenty of behind-the-scenes excitement.
“Once our involvement in the performance was fully confirmed, we’ve been preparing the Bocelli pieces whilst simultaneously working on our August performances of ‘Mahler 3’ with Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra and our two September concerts of ‘Stabat Mater’ with Brisbane Symphony Orchestra, not to mention The Creation,” she said.
Music Director Emily Cox AM | Photo credit: Supplied
“As you can imagine with a project the size of the Bocelli concert, there were lots of logistics to sort out from how many people could physically fit into the space on stage to the repertoire we would be performing.”
But in the end, Emily said, that with the adaptability that’s become part of Chorale’s DNA since the start of the COVID era, the choir was able to handle all the complexities with grace and aplomb.
‘The Creation’ Featuring 3 Soloists
Emily is now putting the finishing touches on preparations for Brisbane Chorale and Oriana Choir’s joint performances of Joseph Haydn’s marvellous oratorio “The Creation.” Their upcoming project is a musical partnership between Brisbane Chorale and Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir, a first for the two choirs.
Brisbane Chorale will be performing with Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir, Sinfonia of St Andrew’s and their soloists Leanne Kenneally (soprano), Tobias Merz (tenor) and Jason Barry-Smith (bass).
There will be two performances, the first will be in Bokarina and the second will be in Brisbane at the Brisbane City Hall.
Why ‘The Creation’?
During Emily and Fay’s initial discussion regarding a joint performance by the two choirs, “The Creation” quickly appeared on their radar. They said that they want something which would be nurturing for the choirs, both musically and emotionally, and which would bring joy to their listeners after the challenges everyone has faced in the last couple of years.
And “The Creation” ticks all the boxes.
“With ‘Creation’ not being frequently performed in Brisbane, but being one of the greats, it jumped out as an obvious choice!” exclaims Emily.
“Collaborating with Fay and Oriana was always something I wanted to do,” said Emily about Fay Baker OAM, the Artistic Director of Oriana Choir and her vocal accompanist when she was a student at the “Con”.
“I’ve long admired Oriana’s work, and I consider Fay a very important part of my musical growth. She was also a major mentor of Justine Favell, Brisbane Chorale’s fabulous accompanist,” she continues.
“Haydn really broke the mould with this one,” Emily explains. “The orchestra does much more than just accompany. There’s tremendous drama in the orchestral writing, dramatic changes of mood and picturesque imagery, ahead of its time, all making the orchestra an equal partner in bringing this story to life. I can’t wait to work with the wonderful players of Sinfonia on this project.”
“The greatest joys of making music are the communities with which you work. The community that’s been brought together for ‘The Creation’ is a mixture of people I’ve known all of my performing life, and new friends, all of whom are brilliant at what they do. I’ve also loved the piece since I was a teenager, and this is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to perform it. What a joy!” Jason Barry-Smith said when asked about the things he is looking forward to most about the upcoming performances.
And Tenor Tobias Merz’s reply: “There are so many things I’m looking forward to. Singing this work is a rare pleasure but the real treat will be listening to the thunderous sound of a double choir!”
‘The Creation’ by Franz Joseph Haydn conducted by Emily Cox AM Brisbane Chorale and Oriana Choir Sinfonia of St Andrew’s Leanne Kenneally, soprano Tobias Merz, tenor Jason Barry-Smith, bass
Brisbane Chorale is a symphonic choir formed in 1983. The group comprises more than 100 voices and was an amalgamation of existing choirs back then at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. They will be celebrating their 40th anniversary year in 2023, also the year that Emily will be celebrating her 20th year as Music Director.
Photo credit: Supplied
Oriana Choir, meanwhile, was formed in 2005 when Daniel Calder established The Oriana Concert Choir on the Sunshine Coast. This fledgling choir very quickly proved its credentials when in July 2006 they competed in ABC Classic FM’s National Choir of the Year competition, placing second in the Queensland finals.
The controversial organisation, which has many Hollywood celebrity followers like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, bought the property to complement its existing base on George St at the CBD.
A spokesperson has confirmed the purchase of the 1,965-square-metre site with dual street frontage but did not indicate the price. Reports, however, indicated that the Church of Scientology paid $9 million for the property and will use the building for its religious, community and humanitarian programs.
Photo Credit: Google MapsPhoto Credit: DA A005640986
The Fortitude Valley address was the former home of the Australian Institute of Fitness until June 2021. The site has an approved development application (DA A005640986) for a childcare centre, which was lodged by FDC Construction And Fitout (Qld) Pty Ltd in January 2021.
The three-level building is under Principle Centre Zoning, allowing up to 15 levels if redeveloped. It’s near the Fortitude Valley Train Station and the $2.9 billion master-planned RNA Showgrounds development.
The Church of Scientology has bases in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and is currently renovating and expanding its headquarters in central Sydney.
Opening soon in Fortitude Valley! From the team behind Karen’s Diner comes a new authentic Italian restaurant promising a decidedly unique dining experience that may keep you coming back for more.
Berluca’s will open doors in Fortitude Valley early next year. The new concept restaurant promises to offer a unique dining experience with an electric atmosphere with plenty of laughs, giant yard pizzas, and great cocktails. Delivering the fun and entertainment are singing waiters plus meatball competitions, and food fights galore to keep the madness going.
Berluca’s will also offer lucky customers a chance to experience it before the venue opens in the new year by grabbing tickets to one of two exclusive opening sittings in early November. Tickets cost just $55pp and include an entree, pizza and dessert!
Photo credit: Supplied
The Menu for these events includes an Entree Board for two to four people consisting of marinated olives, confit garlic focaccia, burrata Caprese & arancini of the day. Whilst the Main will be any choice of Pizzas and a choice of Cannoli Siciliano, Tiramisu or Chocolate Tart for dessert.
“So get up, shake your napkin, sing along and dance on your chair as you take a non-traditional journey through Italian cuisine.” – Barluca’s
Berluca’s follows the highly successful Karen’s Diner, an interactive diner waited by rude staff and offers burgers, chicken wings, and hotdogs that can be paired with a shake, beer, wine or a cocktail. They currently have locations across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and USA.
Berluca’s will be located at 209 Brunswick St in Fortitude Valley. No word is out yet as to the new venue’s complete line-up of offerings and operating hours, so stay tuned for updates.
Vision Australia has added eight new Seeing Eye Dogs to its team at a special graduation ceremony for the VIPs (very important pups!) in Brisbane City.
The graduation, held at the Queensland Parliament on Wednesday, 12 October 2022, was hosted by Disability Services Minister Craig Crawford, who remarked that he had a “re-barkable time” with the new Seeing Eye Dogs. The ceremony coincided with World Sight Day.
“Many people have supported these Seeing Eye Dog teams along the way to where they are today,” Mr Crawford said.
“From the volunteer puppy carers who foster potential guide dogs, to the skilled trainers who get them ready to work with their new handlers, and the many other staff and volunteers that keep organisations like Vision Australia running.
“These dogs have learned tasks that are far more complex and nuanced than most other dogs ever have to perform to keep their handlers safe, but they do something even more important than perform on command.
“They support some of the more than 1700 people in Queensland who are blind or have low vision to live independently and participate fully in the community.”
“Training can take up to two years and $50,000, but it’s worthwhile when you see the impact it has,” said Seeing Eye Dogs client services manager Lester Chraim.
“It’s amazing how a Seeing Eye Dog can help handlers reclaim their independence and be so much more active and confident in the community,” Mr Chraim said.
Torn between a cookie or a brownie? Get them both! In Fortitude Valley, new bakery Brooki Bake House combines these two classic desserts into one delectable creation, also known as brookies.
The brookies here use cookie dough base with Oreo layer and rich brownie topped with cookies. It also comes in red velvet flavour, which comes served with a cream cheese swirl.
Housed in the Stewart & Hemmant building on Marshall St, Fortitude Valley, this recently launched bakery is owned by travel blogger Brooke Saward, who’s also behind Charlie’s Dessert House in Launceston.
Aside from their brookies, they have an array of sweets to choose from, starting from cakes and cupcakes down to macarons and cheesecakes.
Some of the best sellers on their rotating monthly flavour include Caramilk Cookie, Toblerone cookie, cookie dough cupcake, and the salted caramel macaron.
They also have some of the most unique flavours you can ever find, like the Nutella Bueno cookies, Coke macarons, and earl grey cupcakes.
(Photo credit: Brooki Bake House/Google Maps)
Coffee on pour comes courtesy of Archer beans coffee, though there’s also the traditional Belgian hot chocolate or match latte to choose from.
As for cakes, you can have them customised and choose from a variety of flavours, such as Red Velvet, Brooklyn Blackout, Vanilla Matcha, Biscoff, and Cotton Candy.
Photo credit: Brooki Bake House/Instagram
Just recently, Brooki Bake House launched their ‘After dark’ offering, exclusively on offer via UberEats. Those who crave their favourite cookies, cupcakes, brownies, macarons can have them delivered at home from 6:00 pm. to 10:00 p.m. It also includes made to order waffles, warm cookie sundaes, and Belgian hot chocolate.
Imagine shuttling back and forth between various venues at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics aboard self-flying air taxis. Based on the 5th-generation aircraft that were on public display at King George Square in the City, riding an air taxi without a pilot isn’t as farfetched as it seems.
Leading urban air mobility company Wisk Aero has signed a deal with the Council of Mayors for the provision of self-flying air taxis in 10 years’ time, to transport people quickly from hubs near the City to Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, and Toowoomba.
Cora (Photo credit: Wisk Aero/Facebook)
The public display of self-flying air taxis at King George Square comes on the heels of the announcement of Wisk’s expansion into Australia and marks the first in a series of planned displays in the region.
On display recently in Brisbane was their 5th generation aircraft, a two-passenger autonomous aircraft with 12 independent, electric-powered lifting propellers.
Autonomous aircraft are controled by sophisticated technology and proprietary software. Photo credit: Wisk
Wisk’s next-gen aircrafts are designed to deliver a self-flying first approach. By leveraging existing, proven technology, their proprietary software, and technical oversight by their experts, the planes would fly under the control of automatic systems, without intervention from a human pilot.
Also known as Cora, the 5th-gen wonder on display in Brisbane took almost eight years to develop. It is an electric, fixed wing, lift+cruise aircraft that is Wisk’s first-ever autonomous, off-runway flight.
Photo credit: Wisk Aero/Facebook
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who chairs the Council of Mayors (SEQ) said attracting global businesses and innovative industries like Wisk to the region, was a big part of the reason why the Council of Mayors first kickstarted the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games journey.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Wisk to look at how South East Queensland can capitalise off the new jobs and economic opportunities associated with this Australian-first industry,” Cr Schrinner said.
“While there’s still plenty of work to do around regulation and safety, the prospect of having autonomous air taxis operating throughout our region and between venues during the Brisbane2032 Games is really exciting.”
Gary Gysin, Chief Executive Officer of Wisk, said Wisk was proud to engage with forward-thinking local leaders, like the Council of Mayors (SEQ), to advance the introduction of AAM and benefit not only Wisk, but local communities and the industry as a whole.
“This is an exciting time for us, as we continue our momentum and expand our global presence. We look forward to building on the strong relationships we have in Australia to make safe, all-electric, autonomous flight a reality,” said Mr Gysin.
The latter half of 2022 is an exciting time for Fortitude Valley, with new restaurant openings, well-known chefs, and revamped hospitality venues. Here’s some of the latest foodie news dropping in the Valley.
Melbourne-based chef and restaurateur Andrew McConnell will bring his Asian-inspired cuisine to Brisbane next year, delighting fans of his signature lobster roll, chicken dumplings, and slow-cooked lamb.
The restaurant, which will be able to accommodate up to 120 guests, will feature an alfresco and private dining, designed by Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of Sydney’s ACME.
Supernormal will open at Cbu Property’s residential tower at 443 Queen St in Fortitude Valley in the summer of 2023. It will operate seven days a week for all-day dining, lunch and dinner.
Alfred & Constance New Mexican Bar And Eatery
Photo credit: alfredandconstance.com.au
Alfred & Constance is now under new management and undergoing minor renovations. Diners can look forward to the addition of Lime Mexican, a casual dining spot for all classic Mexican snacks, such as tacos, quesadillas, and nachos.
Aside from ordering a snack, you can pop in for a drink or settle in with their menu, designed for sharing among friends. They have delicious Mexican cervezas, aside from spicy margaritas, red, white, and sparkling wines, and a selection of tequilas.
Komeyui — A Taste of Japan in Fortitude Valley
Photo credit: Komeyui Restaurant/Facebook
Melbourne’s Japanese restaurant Komeyui, best known for its sushi, is coming to Spring Hill before Christmas.
Owned by Chef Motomu Kumano, the restaurant will use rice imported from Japan and fish sourced from Victoria and Tasmania for their high-grade sushi.
Other menu items to look forward to include white-fish-stuffed zucchini flower with tapioca pearl and ankake and for dessert, red bean sticky rice with matcha jelly and azuki cream.
Works are already underway at the site, located on the ground floor of the former Federal Police building on Wharf St, with interiors to be designed by Sue Coles of Melbourne design firm Baenziger Coles.
The GPO Hotel Returns to Fortitude Valley
Photo credit: GPO/Facebook
After closing in 2020 because of the pandemic, popular nightlife spot GPO Hotel is getting a new lease on life, with a $7-million renovation currently underway.
Works for GPO Hotel, located at 740 Ann St, include high-end bars, kitchens, toilets, and dining areas.
Gold Coast hospitality group Artesian Hospitality, the team behind the Cali Beach Club in Surfers Paradise, signed a 25-year lease on the historic building and the two adjoining buildings on site.
Artesian Hospitality announced plans to put multiple venues within the building to establish it as a precinct. The group, however, has remained tight-lipped when asked if it would reopen as a late-night club.
The hospitality group is aiming for a late 2022 or early 2023 reopening.
Residents and heritage supporters have raised concerns over plans for a new office tower development on Turbot Stwhich may impact as many as 25 trees along two of Brisbane’s oldest parks.
The tower is a $670-million project that secured approval for DA A005799854 in March 2022, allowing the developer, Mirvac, to build a world-class workplace precinct that will transform the former site of the University of Queensland dental school.
The heritage-listed site was recently used as a famous TV set for the crime drama “Harrow.”
The Spring Hill Community Group said that the developer lodged another application, DA A006046802, for a minor change of use on the Turbot St development in June 2022, citing a possible filling and excavation that could impact 25 trees on Wickham Park and King Edward Park which are within the development parameters.
Photo Credit: DA A005799854
Concerns have also been raised that the planned work might also affect a heritage stone wall if a path through the parks is permitted.
Council has asked the developer to submit a Vegetation Management Plan in early September to clarify its intention for the path, which will be for car park access.
Photo Credit: DA A005799854
The Turbot St office tower will integrate the old dental school building into 66,000 square metres of office space. The site includes a 6.000-square metre open space, 169 car parks, and 745 bicycle parking bays.
Photo Credit: DA A005799854
“We expect a building of this quality, in this unique CBD location, together with the opportunity for large floor plates, to attract a high calibre of tenants,” Brett Draffen, Mirvac’s Chief Investment Officer, said.
“The building will also benefit from significant government investment in local infrastructure including Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro and Brisbane Live.”
