Get set to immerse yourself in 10 arts-fuelled days across the Sunshine Coast with the full Horizon Festival 2017 program released today (July 14).

Take off your shoes and explore Architects of Air’s Arboria luminarium, a monumental 10-metre high inflatable structure, rock out to local and international bands at Maroochy Music and Vis Arts Festival, lose yourself in a dance theatre work based on the life of Vincent Van Gogh, enjoy side-splitting comedy with Akmal or Anh Do, arts-filled weekends in Maleny and Eumundi, or the Horizon Underground fringe festival in Nambour – welcome to Horizon Festival 2017.

The 52-page program features more than 200 events in visual art, film, literature, performance, street art, comedy, music, theatre and new media to be held across the region from August 25 – September 3.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the countdown was on to what would be another outstanding major event for our region.

“This year we are commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Naming of the Sunshine Coast and it’s festivals like this one that will help us celebrate that special milestone,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The inaugural Horizon Festival in 2016 was an outstanding success with 35,000 people attending and, with more than 200 events on the program this year, I’m sure we’ll welcome even more in 2017.”

Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the program included a range of artistic, thought-provoking, curious, unique and exclusive events.

“The Horizon Festival program is packed with local, national and international artists,” Cr Baberowski said.

“The response to our earlier program announcements for the REMIX Academy Summit, Architects of Air’s Arboria luminarium and Horizon Underground has been phenomenal and there’s so much more to reveal.

“It’s exciting that we can now release our full program that includes the opening night spectacle on August 25 - an Australian premiere unlike anything we have seen before.

“William Close and the Earth Harp Collective will perform for the first time in Australia, transforming Kings Beach Amphitheatre into a colossal musical instrument.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off what is going to be a huge celebration of arts and culture right across the region.”

A fun addition to the festival this year, and a great way to explore all that Horizon has to offer, is an on-line GooseChase – a scavenger hunt for those with a sense of adventure and fun with great prizes up for grabs. Check out the website for more details.

View the full program and book your tickets now at www.horizonfestival.com.au.

Get social and share your festival experience using #horizonartfest

Horizon is proudly presented by Sunshine Coast Council and supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Horizon is supported by USC, SunCentral, Youi, Telstra, Tourism and Events Queensland, APN Outdoor, 92.7 MixFM, SeaFM, Sunshine Coast Daily, Audi Centre Sunshine Coast, Visit Sunshine Coast and The Sebel Hotels.