Following the success of City Street Eats, Townsville City Council and Flinders Street East traders will team-up to host East End Eats on Saturday, 29 May before the Reds v Chiefs game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Mayor Jenny Hill said an estimated 7,500 people attended City Street Eats, creating an electric atmosphere and providing a boon for nearby hospitality venues.
“It was so great to see such strong community support for City Street Eats and we want to replicate that again, this time at Flinders Street East,” Cr Hill said.
“We have a massive Australia versus New Zealand double-header in Townsville that weekend and our city will be pumping.
“I can think of no better way to warm up for the Reds v Chiefs on Saturday afternoon than to revel with family and friends in Flinders Street East before making your way to our world-class stadium.
“These events are not only about further activating our CBD, but also supporting our local retailers and hospitality venues.”
The event will kick off at 4pm with food trucks, live music, roving entertainment and kids’ amusement in Flinders Street East, which will be closed from Denham Street to Wickham Street from 1-9pm.
Passionate local New Zealand supporters will also perform a traditional Haka at the event in anticipation of the showdown at the stadium.
Manager of Molly Malones, Colin Leake, said Flinders Street East was traditionally an after-game destination for revellers.
“East End Eats and the festival atmosphere we’re looking to create will be a great way to attract people to the precinct before the game,” Mr Leake said.
“It’s a win:win situation – it’s a win for the community who can come out and enjoy different foods and entertainment and it’s a win for local traders who can showcase their businesses.”
For the Cowboys v Warriors game on Friday 28 May, Tiny Mountain Brewery will again be activating Flinders Lane, contributing to the weekend’s carnival atmosphere.