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The Empire Launches 2024 Thrive on Arts Program


The Empire’s popular family festival Thrive on Arts will return from September 26-29, celebrating all things nature and the environment.

The Empire Launches 2024 ~Thrive on Arts Program~

The Thrive on Arts program offers a mixture of free and ticketed events for children aged 0-12, including lawn games and activities, Storytime Under the Magnolia Tree, Pat Malone’s Magic Garden in the Armitage Centre, craft projects by Tinker and children’s tours of The Empire that are part history, part adventure.

A festival highlight is acclaimed First Nations performing arts company Bangarra Dance Theatre with their first children’s work, Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle.

This stunning and interactive theatre piece follows the story of Migi the turtle as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival under the star-studded skies of the Torres Strait.

Other ticketed experiences include children’s physical theatre production A Bee Story, a screening of children’s comedy film The Lorax, and First Five Forever’s reading of local author Rory Mather’s book Roary the Lion with accompaniment by musicians from Toowoomba Concert Orchestra.

The Empire General Manager Giuliana Bonel said Thrive on Arts brings unique experiences to the community and is a perfect way to introduce our youngest audience members to the arts.

“This year’s program is a celebration of conservation, the environment and nature featuring a diverse program of performances, displays and interactive experiences,” Ms Bonel said.

Thrive on Arts has something to bring out the artist in every member of the family!

Giuliana Bonel - The Empire General Manager

“Thrive on Arts has been running annually since 2018, growing and expanding each year and as we launch the program for our seventh consecutive festival, we are looking forward to opening the gates for another incredible festival during the 75th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.”

Bookings are essential for ticketed Thrive on Arts performances.

For more information or to book tickets to Thrive on Arts performances, visit empiretheatre.com.au.

#What’s New

By Popular Demand: ~Theatre of Magic Series to Continue with Bonus Performances During Carnival of Flowers~

After six months of sold-out performances, Theatre of Magic is extending their season by popular demand for the remainder of 2025, including four special performances to celebrate the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

A Legacy of Creativity: ~Regional Artists Celebrated in Stunning New Publication~

The vibrance and talent of Southern Queensland’s artists takes centre stage with the launch of a premium publication, Under the Southern Sky – Arts and Culture of Southern Queensland, a showcase of the region’s incredible skill and creativity.

Volunteers ~Behind the Curtain~

Shining a Spotlight on the community powering The Empire’s success

The Empire Raises the Curtain on its ~Stunning New Centrepiece~

After nearly three decades of quietly setting the scene, the Empire Theatre’s iconic red curtain is taking its turn in the spotlight with the unveiling of a premium upgrade.

The Empire Flies High ~as Come From Away closes~

The final planes have departed The Empire following a hugely successful season of the hit Broadway musical, Come From Away, which wrapped with the final matinee performance on Sunday 23 March.

Queensland Theatre's Pride & Prejudice ~serves up the original regency rom-com~

The mother of all romantic comedies, sashays onto the stage in a landmark debut for Queensland Theatre’s 2025 Season across two huge venues from 13 February to 9 March 2025.

Acknowledgement
of country

The Empire acknowledges the Traditional Custodians, the Giabal, Jarowair and Western Wakka Wakka peoples, where we work and present stories. We would like to pay respect to the Elders, past and present and to all First Nations peoples.

Artwork: We Are Yuree by Adrian Bauwens

Empire Theatre