RIVERFIRE by Australian Retirement Trust to Add Sixth Barge in 2026
The new barge sits between Victoria Bridge and Neville Bonner Bridge, backed by 30 pyrotechnicians.
Brisbane Festival is expanding its annual RIVERFIRE by Australian Retirement Trust display with the addition of a sixth fireworks barge, positioned between Victoria Bridge and Neville Bonner Bridge to bring the pyrotechnics closer to South Bank and the CBD. The free event, held along the river each September, is organized by a team of 30 pyrotechnicians and marks the opening night of Brisbane Festival, which runs for three weeks and includes more than 420 free community activities.
Brisbane's ultimate night of celebration is gearing up to take over the city skyline once again. On Saturday 5 September, this year's Brisbane Festival bursts into life with the return of RIVERFIRE by Australian Retirement Trust—a spectacular fusion of community spirit and world-class creativity that promises to deliver one of the nation's most mesmerising visual feasts.
This year, the Verso Projects. Festival Village, South Bank will offer locals and visitors an uninterrupted, front-row seat to the unfolding magic, paired with a lively festival atmosphere.
'RIVERFIRE by Australian Retirement Trust is so much more than a visual spectacle; it is a profound celebration of our city's vibrant identity and the joy of coming together,' said Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Ebony Bott. 'As I kickstart my inaugural festival program to Queensland audiences, it will be absolutely amazing to stand alongside the community and witness Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust come to life right from the heart of our Festival Village. It's the perfect way to welcome everyone into three weeks of pure creative magic.'
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek described RIVERFIRE by Australian Retirement Trust as an iconic event that brings together Queenslanders and visitors under a dazzling river skyline.
'This spectacular evening will kick off three weeks of extraordinary performances, installations, and arts experiences that share Queensland's unique stories, and the incredible talent of local and International Artists and companies,' Minister Langbroek said.
'The Crisafulli Government is proud to support Brisbane Festival, which delivers on our Queensland's Time to Shine strategy, activating the city with transformational arts and culture and increasing access to high quality arts experiences with more than 420 free community activities.'
Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Ebony Bott said the expanded display would mark the start of her inaugural festival program, while Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner noted that RIVERFIRE by Australian Retirement Trust typically draws roughly half a million people along the riverbanks and parklands of the city.
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