About the Sunshine Festival

The history of one of Australia's oldest events.

The SUNSHINE FESTIVAL In 1958, a group called the Geraldton Retail Traders' Association came up with the idea of holding a tomato festival in Geraldton... perhaps inspired by previous festivals such as the Wonthella Progress Association's Bazaar days and Spring Festival Parades in the early and mid 1950s. The Geraldton Guardian took up the idea, publishing an editorial on 30th August 1958 commending these enterprising citizens on the concept. As the group's plans evolved, the name changed to the Sunshine Festival, no doubt to draw attention to the consistently sunny days in the region, and on 21st August 1959, the longest running regional festival in Western Australia was born. 2025 marks the 64th anniversary of festival, a major milestone in anyone's language. Looking back, not much has changed since its inception. It is run by a group of volunteers with substantial support from the City of Greater Geraldton, sponsors and businesses and there are events in this year's festival that have been present right from the start. One of these being the much loved, Sunshine Festival Float Parade. The Festival also presents many opportunities for the community to gather together and celebrate all that life has to offer in the Geraldton region.

Join us in celebrating the 64th Geraldton Greenough Sunshine Festival on Sunday the 5th of October for a day of activities for the whole family.