PVF26
ENTERTAINER
NFORMATION GUIDE

Everything you need to know before applying to perform at Pasifika Vibes Festival 2026.

This guide will help you understand the application process, performance requirements, stage and production arrangements, insurance responsibilities and what to expect if your application is successful.

Whether you are applying as a solo artist, performing group, cultural dance group, choir, musician, comedian, school, church or community group, we encourage you to read through the guide before submitting your application.

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Welcome

Thank you for your interest in performing at Pasifika Vibes Festival 2026.


Whether you’re stepping onto the stage for the first time or you’re an experienced performer, we’re delighted that you’re considering being part of Queensland’s largest celebration of Pacific Island & Māori cultures.


This Information Guide has been prepared to help you understand the application process and what to expect if your application is successful. It brings together everything you’ll need to know about performing at the festival, including performance requirements, stage and production information, technical considerations, insurance, the selection process and answers to frequently asked questions.


We encourage you to read through this guide before submitting your application. Doing so will help you prepare a complete application and give you a clear understanding of what is involved in performing at Pasifika Vibes Festival.


We look forward to learning more about you and your performance, and hope to welcome you to the stage in October.

About Pasifika Vibes Festival

Pasifika Vibes Festival is Queensland’s largest celebration of Pacific Island & Māori cultures, bringing communities together through music, dance, food, art, fashion, language and cultural experiences.


Held over two exciting days at Pine Rivers Showgrounds in Lawnton, the festival welcomes thousands of attendees from across Queensland and beyond to celebrate the diversity, traditions and contemporary expressions of Pacific cultures in a vibrant, family-friendly environment.


At the heart of the festival are the performers who bring our cultures to life. Every dance, song, musical performance, cultural presentation and story shared on stage contributes to an unforgettable celebration of identity, heritage and community.


Pasifika Vibes Festival is more than an event—it’s an opportunity to strengthen cultural connections, inspire future generations and create meaningful experiences for audiences of all backgrounds. Whether your performance reflects ancient traditions, contemporary Pacific creativity or a blend of both, we welcome performances that celebrate culture with pride, authenticity and respect.

Two-Day Festival

Two full days of live performances, cultural experiences, food, markets and family entertainment.

Thousands of Attendees

Perform before one of the largest and most diverse audiences celebrating Pacific Island & Māori cultures in Queensland.

Celebrate Culture

Share your heritage, traditions and creativity while inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds.

Community Connection

Join performers, communities and organisations from across Queensland in a celebration of culture, unity and belonging.

Who Can Apply?

Pasifika Vibes Festival welcomes applications from performers of all experience levels who are passionate about sharing Pacific Island and Māori cultures through performance.

 

Whether you’re an individual artist, an established group, a school, a church or a community organisation, we encourage you to apply if your performance aligns with the spirit and values of the festival.

 

We welcome both traditional and contemporary performances, recognising that Pacific cultures continue to evolve while remaining deeply connected to their heritage.

Solo Artists

Individual performers showcasing vocals, music, dance, spoken word, comedy or other cultural performances.

Performing Groups

Groups of any size presenting coordinated cultural performances, music, dance or entertainment.

Cultural Dance Groups

Traditional and contemporary dance groups celebrating the rich cultures and stories of the Pacific.

Choirs

Church, school and community choirs performing traditional hymns, contemporary arrangements or cultural songs.

Comedians

Family-friendly comedians whose performances celebrate culture, community and shared experiences through humour.

Musicians

Acoustic musicians, instrumentalists and cultural music ensembles performing Pacific-inspired or culturally significant music.

Contemporary Artists

Performers blending modern creativity with Pacific cultural influences through music, dance or other artistic expression.

Fashion Showcases

Designers and models presenting Pacific-inspired fashion, traditional attire or contemporary cultural collections.

Spoken Word

Poets, speakers and storytellers using the power of words to inspire, educate and celebrate Pacific cultures.

Cultural Storytelling

Traditional storytelling, legends, oral histories and cultural presentations that preserve and share Pacific knowledge.

Youth Groups

Youth organisations and clubs showcasing the talents and creativity of the next generation.

School Groups

Primary schools, secondary schools and tertiary institutions sharing cultural performances developed through education and community engagement.

Church Groups

Church-based cultural groups, choirs and performance teams celebrating faith, culture and community.

Community Groups

Community organisations and cultural associations presenting performances that strengthen community pride and cultural identity.

Special Guest Performers

Invited artists and performers who contribute to the diversity and celebration of the festival programme.

If your performance celebrates Pacific Island or Māori cultures in a respectful, engaging and family-friendly way, we’d love to hear from you. Even if you’re applying for the first time, we encourage you to share your passion and let us discover what makes your performance unique.

Making Your Performance Shine

Tips for delivering a memorable performance

Performing at Pasifika Vibes Festival is about more than simply stepping onto the stage—it’s about sharing your culture, connecting with the audience and creating lasting memories for everyone who attends.

The following tips are designed to help you prepare with confidence and make the most of your performance experience.

Be Proud of Your Culture

Every performance tells a story. Whether you're presenting a traditional dance, contemporary music, spoken word or cultural storytelling, perform with pride and authenticity. Your passion and cultural identity are what make your performance unique.

Know Your Performance

Rehearse thoroughly before arriving at the festival so you feel confident on stage. Knowing your performance well allows you to focus on connecting with the audience rather than remembering what's coming next.

Stay Within Your Allocated Time

Each performance is carefully scheduled to ensure the festival runs smoothly for all performers. Finishing within your allocated performance time helps keep the programme on schedule and allows everyone an equal opportunity to showcase their talents.

Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive, check in, become familiar with the stage area and settle any last-minute questions with the Stage Manager. Arriving early helps reduce stress and ensures you're ready when it's time to perform.

Keep Your Backing Tracks Organised

If you're using backing tracks, make sure they're clearly labelled, tested beforehand and readily accessible. Bringing a backup copy on a second USB drive or cloud storage is always a good idea.

Dress for the Occasion

Wear costumes or attire that complement your performance while allowing you to move comfortably and safely. Traditional cultural attire and contemporary Pacific fashion are both encouraged where appropriate to your performance.

Connect With Your Audience

Smile, enjoy yourself and remember that the audience wants you to succeed. Whether you're performing for the first time or are an experienced entertainer, genuine enthusiasm is often what people remember most.

Listen to the Stage Team

Our Stage Manager and production crew are there to support you. Following their directions before, during and after your performance helps ensure a safe, enjoyable and well-coordinated experience for everyone involved.

Enjoy the Experience

Take time to experience the festival beyond your performance. Meet other performers, enjoy the food and cultural activities, and celebrate alongside the wider Pacific community. Pasifika Vibes Festival is as much about building connections as it is about performing.

A Final Word

Whether you're performing in front of a large audience for the first time or returning to the festival stage, remember that your performance contributes to something much bigger—a celebration of culture, community and connection. We look forward to seeing you share your talents and help make Pasifika Vibes Festival 2026 an unforgettable experience.

Stage & Production

Pasifika Vibes Festival operates a professionally managed main stage supported by an experienced Stage Manager, sound crew and production team.

Because many performers appear across the two-day programme, stage access, performance timing and changeovers must be carefully coordinated. Understanding how the stage operates will help you arrive prepared and make the most of your allocated performance time.

Main Stage

The festival’s main stage is approximately 10 metres wide by 6 metres deep, providing space for solo artists, musicians, dance groups, choirs, fashion showcases and larger cultural performances.

The stage must accommodate a wide variety of performers throughout each day. Applicants should therefore plan performances that can be presented safely within the available stage area and without extensive construction, scenery or equipment changes.

The final stage configuration and any applicable access arrangements will be confirmed with successful applicants before the festival.

Performance Times

Most performances are scheduled for between 5 and 15 minutes. Performance durations are determined by the Festival Organisers based on the overall festival programme and operational requirements.

Applicants may indicate their preferred performance duration in the application form; however, the final duration will be determined by the Festival Organisers based on programme availability, performance requirements and the needs of the event.

Your allocated time includes the complete performance. Performers must be ready to begin promptly and finish within the confirmed timeframe.

Green Room & Performer Preparation

A designated Green Room or performer preparation area will be available near the stage.

Performers should report to the designated check-in point and be ready in the Green Room at least 30 minutes before their confirmed performance time, unless otherwise advised.

The Green Room is intended for final preparation before going on stage. Space may be limited, so performers should bring only the people and items reasonably required for their performance.

Costumes, props, instruments and personal belongings remain the responsibility of the performer or performing group at all times.

Short changeover periods are scheduled between performances so that one act can leave the stage and the next can prepare.

Because these changeovers are limited, performers must:

    • keep equipment and props manageable;
    • be ready before being called to the stage;
    • follow the directions of the Stage Manager and production crew;
    • enter and leave the stage promptly; and
    • avoid unnecessary setup or pack-down delays.

Performances requiring unusually complex staging, extensive equipment changes or lengthy setup may not be suitable for the festival programme.

The Stage Manager oversees performer movement, stage access and the running order throughout the festival.

The production crew manages sound, microphones and other festival-supplied technical equipment. Their role is to help each performance begin safely, efficiently and on time.

All performers must follow the reasonable directions of the Stage Manager, sound crew and Festival Organisers before, during and after their performance.

Any questions or concerns about the stage should be raised with the Stage Manager rather than attempting to adjust festival equipment independently.

Only approved performers, authorised representatives and festival personnel may enter the stage, backstage or Green Room areas.

Children and young performers must remain appropriately supervised by their responsible adult, group leader, teacher or authorised representative.

Performers should not enter the stage until directed to do so by the Stage Manager or production crew.

Props and other stage items must be:

    • suitable for the available stage area;
    • safe to carry, position and remove;
    • stable during the performance;
    • free from sharp edges or other avoidable hazards; and
    • capable of being set up and removed within the available changeover time.

Large, heavy, hazardous or difficult-to-manage props must be disclosed in the application. Approval is required before they may be brought onto the festival stage.

Confetti, glitter, powders, liquids, open flames, smoke effects, pyrotechnics and similar materials must not be used unless expressly approved in writing by the Festival Organisers.

Performers must clearly identify in their application any instruments, props, furniture or technical equipment they intend to bring.

All performer-supplied items must be safe, suitable for the performance and clearly labelled where appropriate. Electrical equipment may be subject to inspection and must comply with applicable electrical-safety requirements.

The Festival Organisers may decline any item that presents a safety risk, interferes with stage operations or was not disclosed before the event.

A standard selection of stage and audio equipment will be available, which may include:

    • microphones;
    • microphone stands;
    • chairs;
    • a laptop for approved backing-track playback; and
    • other standard production equipment confirmed by the Festival Organisers.

Availability is subject to the final stage setup and the needs of the overall programme.

Applicants must identify their equipment requirements accurately in the application form. Requests made after scheduling has been finalised may not be able to be accommodated.

Detailed information about backing tracks, audio files, microphones, instruments and other technical requirements is provided in the next section, Audio & Technical Information.

The main stage is located within an active outdoor festival environment. Performers should be prepared for:

    • a large and diverse audience;
    • changing crowd numbers throughout the day;
    • ambient festival noise;
    • outdoor weather conditions; and
    • a fast-moving programme involving many different acts.

The Festival Organisers will make reasonable efforts to provide a professional and supportive performance environment, but applicants should understand that an outdoor community festival operates differently from a theatre or dedicated concert venue.

Our Stage Manager and production team are there to help you present your performance safely and confidently. Arriving prepared, keeping your setup manageable and following the stage team’s directions will help create a smooth and enjoyable experience for you, the other performers and the festival audience.

Audio & Technical Information

To help every performance run smoothly, Pasifika Vibes Festival provides a standard audio setup suitable for the majority of performances. Applicants should carefully review the information below when planning their performance and completing their application.

Providing accurate technical information during the application process helps our production team prepare for your performance and minimise delays during stage changeovers.

Whether you’re an individual artist, an established group, a school, a church or a community organisation, we encourage you to apply if your performance aligns with the spirit and values of the festival.

We welcome both traditional and contemporary performances, recognising that Pacific cultures continue to evolve while remaining deeply connected to their heritage.

Backing Tracks

If your performance uses backing tracks, you will be asked during the application process how you intend to provide them.

Backing tracks may be supplied by:

    • uploaded audio file;
    • USB flash drive; or
    • approved cloud storage link.

Audio files should be supplied in MP3 or WAV format wherever possible.

If using a cloud-based service, performers are responsible for ensuring files are accessible and that any required internet connection or login details are available if requested.

We recommend bringing a backup copy of your backing tracks on a USB drive, even if they have been uploaded in advance.

Festival Equipment

The Festival Organisers will provide a standard professional audio system suitable for the majority of performances.

Festival-supplied equipment may include:

    • microphones;
    • microphone stands;
    • laptop for approved backing-track playback;
    • DI boxes where required; and
    • standard stage audio equipment.

Availability is subject to the final production requirements and overall festival programme.

Your Equipment

Performers must provide any instruments, props or specialised equipment required for their performance unless otherwise agreed.

All performer-supplied equipment must:

    • be safe and in good working order;
    • be suitable for an outdoor festival environment;
    • comply with applicable electrical safety requirements; and
    • be disclosed in the application.

Applicants should indicate the number and type of microphones required in their application.

While every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate requests, the final microphone allocation will depend on availability and the needs of the overall programme.

Due to the number of performances scheduled across the festival, individual sound checks cannot generally be accommodated.

The production team will complete essential audio checks immediately before each performance where required.

Performers should ensure instruments, backing tracks and equipment are ready before arriving at the stage.

Any performer requiring electrical power for equipment must advise the Festival Organisers during the application process.

Power requirements that are not disclosed in advance may not be able to be accommodated on the day of the festival.

Our production crew is available to assist with standard stage and audio requirements.

However, performers remain responsible for understanding and operating their own specialised equipment unless prior arrangements have been made with the Festival Organisers.

Providing complete and accurate technical information during your application helps our production team prepare for your performance and ensures a smoother experience for everyone involved. If you’re unsure about any technical requirement, please contact us before submitting your application—we’re happy to help.

Insurance & Safety

The safety of performers, volunteers, contractors and festival attendees is a shared responsibility. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable event, all performers must comply with the Festival’s safety requirements and, where applicable, Public Liability Insurance (PLI) requirements.

Please read the information below carefully before submitting your application.

Public Liability Insurance

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) is required for many performers and performing groups participating in Pasifika Vibes Festival.

If applicable, applicants will be asked to upload a current Certificate of Currency as part of their application.

Where a performer or group does not hold PLI, alternative arrangements may be available depending on the nature of the performance. Information about these arrangements is provided during the application process.

Safety Responsibilities

All performers are responsible for ensuring that their performance can be delivered safely.

This includes ensuring that:

    • costumes allow safe movement;
    • props are suitable for stage use;
    • equipment is maintained in good working order;
    • electrical equipment complies with applicable safety requirements; and
    • performers follow all reasonable directions from Festival Organisers and production staff.

Risk Assessment

Applicants should advise the Festival Organisers of any aspect of their performance that may require additional planning or safety considerations.

This may include:

    • large props;
    • unusual equipment;
    • cultural demonstrations;
    • audience participation; or
    • any activity that may present an elevated risk.

Providing this information early helps us work with you to develop appropriate arrangements where required.

Children and young performers remain the responsibility of their parent, guardian, teacher, group leader or authorised representative at all times.

Appropriate supervision must be maintained before, during and after performances, including while backstage and in performer preparation areas.

For the safety of everyone attending the festival, the following are not permitted unless expressly approved in writing by the Festival Organisers:

    • open flames;
    • pyrotechnics;
    • fireworks;
    • smoke or special effects;
    • confetti, glitter or powders;
    • hazardous substances; and
    • any activity that may compromise public safety or damage festival infrastructure.

Pasifika Vibes Festival is an outdoor event.

Performers should be prepared for varying weather conditions and ensure that costumes, instruments and equipment are suitable for outdoor use.

Where weather or other circumstances affect the safe operation of the festival, the Festival Organisers may modify, delay or cancel performances as necessary.

Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone involved. By working together and providing accurate information during your application, we can help ensure that every performance is presented safely and professionally.

The Selection Process

Every application received by Pasifika Vibes Festival is carefully reviewed by the Festival Organisers.

Our goal is to create a diverse and engaging entertainment programme that celebrates the richness of Pacific Island and Māori cultures while providing audiences with an enjoyable festival experience.

Because the number of applications often exceeds the number of available performance opportunities, submitting an application does not guarantee selection.

Application Review

Every application is carefully reviewed by the Festival Organisers to understand the unique strengths of each performer or group. We consider a range of factors to help create a diverse, balanced and engaging entertainment programme for the festival.

Programme Selection

Successful performances are selected based on the overall needs of the festival rather than on any single criterion alone. Our aim is to present a programme that celebrates the richness and diversity of Pacific Island and Māori cultures while delivering an outstanding audience experience.

Notification

Once the assessment process has been completed, all applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by email. Successful applicants will receive further information about the next steps, including performance scheduling and festival preparations.

Applications are considered using a range of factors, which may include:

    • cultural representation;
    • performance quality and suitability;
    • diversity of performance styles;
    • audience experience;
    • production and operational requirements;
    • programme balance across both festival days; and
    • the overall objectives of the festival.

No single factor determines the outcome of an application.

The Festival Organisers aim to present a programme that reflects the diversity of Pacific Island and Māori cultures while providing audiences with a varied and engaging experience.

For this reason, applications may be unsuccessful even where the quality of the performance is high.

The final entertainment programme is determined solely at the discretion of the Festival Organisers.

Applicants may indicate preferred performance days, times and durations within the application form.

While every reasonable effort will be made to consider these preferences, the final schedule will depend on the overall festival programme, production requirements and operational considerations.

Successful applicants will receive their confirmed performance details closer to the festival.

Once the assessment process has concluded, applicants will be advised whether their application has been:

    • successful;
    • placed on a waitlist; or
    • unsuccessful.

Festival Organisers may contact applicants during the assessment process if additional information or clarification is required.

Where appropriate, some applicants may be placed on a waitlist.

Waitlisted performers may be offered a performance opportunity if another performer withdraws or programme changes create additional availability.

Being placed on the waitlist does not guarantee a performance opportunity.

The Festival Organisers recognise the time and effort involved in preparing an application.

As performance opportunities are limited, not every application can be accommodated each year.

Applicants who are unsuccessful are warmly encouraged to apply again for future Pasifika Vibes Festival events, as the entertainment programme is developed afresh each year.

Our aim is to create a festival programme that celebrates the diversity, talent and cultures of the Pacific while providing every applicant with a fair and respectful assessment process. We sincerely appreciate the interest shown by every performer who applies to be part of Pasifika Vibes Festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered many common questions throughout this Information Guide, but we’ve also included some of the questions we’re asked most often by prospective performers.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact the Festival Organisers—we’re always happy to help.

No. There is no fee to apply or to perform at Pasifika Vibes Festival.

We welcome applications from solo artists, cultural groups, schools, community organisations, dance groups, musicians, choirs, fashion showcases and other performers whose performances celebrate or showcase Pacific Island and Māori cultures.

Yes. The application form allows you to nominate your preferred performance day and, where possible, your preferred time.

While every reasonable effort will be made to consider your preferences, the final performance schedule is determined by the Festival Organisers.

If you would like to perform on both days, you are welcome to indicate this in your application.

Performance opportunities across both days are subject to programme requirements and availability.

Absolutely. Performers of all ages are welcome to apply.

Children and young performers must be supervised at all times by a parent, guardian, teacher, group leader or authorised representative.

Some performers and performing groups will be required to provide a current Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance.

If you do not have Public Liability Insurance, alternative arrangements may be available depending on the nature of your performance. Information about these arrangements is provided during the application process.

Yes. Backing tracks are welcome.

You’ll be asked during the application process how you intend to provide them. We recommend supplying MP3 or WAV files and bringing a backup copy on a USB drive where possible.

The festival provides a professional stage, sound system and selected audio equipment suitable for most performances.

If your performance requires specialised equipment, instruments or props, these will generally need to be supplied by you unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in advance.

Most performances are scheduled for between 5 and 15 minutes. Final performance durations are determined by the Festival Organisers and may vary depending on the overall festival programme and operational requirements.

All applicants will be notified by email once the assessment process has been completed.

Successful applicants will then receive additional information about scheduling, performer requirements and festival preparations.

Performance opportunities are limited and applications often exceed the number of available performance slots.

If your application isn’t successful this year, we warmly encourage you to apply again in future years, as every festival programme is developed independently.

If your performance details change after you’ve submitted your application, please contact the Festival Organisers as soon as possible.

We’ll do our best to accommodate reasonable changes, although some requests may not be possible once the festival programme has been finalised.

If you have any questions before, during or after submitting your application, please contact the Entertainment Coordinator.

We’re happy to assist with application enquiries, technical questions and any other information you may need.

Ready to Take the Stage?

If you’re passionate about sharing your culture, talent and creativity, we’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re performing for the first time or returning to the Pasifika Vibes Festival stage, we encourage you to submit an application and become part of one of Queensland’s largest celebrations of Pacific Island and Māori cultures.


Every performance contributes to the unique atmosphere that makes Pasifika Vibes Festival such a special community event. From traditional dance and music to contemporary performances, spoken word, cultural showcases and fashion, every act helps tell the story of our vibrant Pacific communities.


If you’re ready to inspire audiences, celebrate your culture and perform alongside talented artists from across the region, now is the time to apply.


We look forward to receiving your application and hope to welcome you to the PVF26 stage.

Apply Now

Need Help Before Applying?

Not quite ready to apply? Contact our Festival team if you have any questions about performing, eligibility, technical requirements or the application process.

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Links to the Entertainer Terms & Conditions page.

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Questions about performing, technical requirements, scheduling or the application process?

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Speak with our Festival team if you’d like to discuss your performance or ask a question before applying.