Medieval knights and maidens have raised tankards of mead in celebration of the Palaszczuk Government’s $2.1 million, 2022-23 Budget investment in Caboolture’s iconic Abbey Medieval Festival and Museum.
Member for Pumicestone Ali King said the Queensland Government’s investment in Abbeystowe will enhance the northern Moreton Bay lifestyle and grow local jobs.
“Abbey Medieval Festival and the Abbey Museum are a much-loved part of the Moreton Bay Region’s visitor economy,” Ms King said.
“The $2.1 million we’ve secured in the Budget will help Abbeystowe add a new cafe and art gallery and grow the festival as a destination for interstate and international visitors.
“It’s fantastic to see maidens in home-spun gowns and knights in shining armour making their pilgrimage back to Caboolture.
“More than 30,000 people will visit the Abbey Medieval Festival over the weekend for jousting, falconry, trebuchets and unique Middle Ages cuisine.”
This weekend is the first Abbey Medieval Festival since the pandemic and is predicted to deliver up to $3 million for the Moreton Bay Region’s visitor economy.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Abbey Medieval Festival was one of Queensland’s great winter events.
“We’re backing Abbeystowe’s plans to attract more visitors with $2.1 million in the Budget for the art gallery and café,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“More visitors mean more support for local jobs, accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and tourism operators in the Moreton Bay Region.
“Abbeystowe is part of our commitment to growing tourism infrastructure and investing in iconic visitor experiences.
“Both are key recommendations of the independent Tourism Industry Reference Panel for reshaping Queensland’s visitor economy toward 2032.
“Earlier this year, our Destination Events Program also delivered $105,000 over three years to secure the post-pandemic future of Abbey’s unique medieval event.”
Abbey Museum Director Edith Cuffe OAM said the Queensland Government’s funding would create opportunity.
Building an art gallery and café will be a wonderful addition to the museum, enhancing our capacity as a vibrant cultural centre and tourism attraction,” Ms Cuffe said.
“The funding for Medieval Festival infrastructure will allow for the ongoing development of this iconic event and increase sustainability into the future.”
Funding for the upgrade of Abbeystowe Museum and the Medieval Festival is subject to a business case prior to construction.
