1770 Festival in 2020

The year 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of Lt. James Cook’s coming ashore at what is now known as the “Town of 1770”

Since 1992, the Captain Cook 1770 Festival is held closest to the date of 24 May. Celebrations in 2020 commence on Tuesday 05 May and continue until the morning of 25 May. These dates mirror the same dates that the HMB Endeavour departed Botany Bay, arrival at Bustard Bay 1770 and subsequent departure from Bustard Bay to Cooktown.

The Captain Cook 1770 Festival acknowledges our colonial past and celebrates our future with the many cultures that are represented here.

The 1770 Festival revolves around Surf, Soul & Sound and the 250th-anniversary three-week celebrations take full advantage of Water, Air and Land experiences for all to enjoy.

On The Water at 1770

Week One – 05 May through 10 May  

Tuesday 05 May is the Official Opening of the 250th Anniversary Captain Cook 1770 Festival. A Time Capsule was instigated at the 1770 Festival in 2019  and will be opened on the 300th Anniversary, 24 May 2070.

During this week the Festival will host sand sculpture workshops cumulating in competitions for both children and adults. This anniversary event will present awards for best sand sculpting in different age group categories.

Children will be spoiled this week with their very own “festival Beach Party ” including music, beach games, followed by a BBQ and Fireworks display.

The twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 will come alive with roving street performers and other events to complement the 250th-anniversary celebrations.

Weekend One- 09 and 10 May

The 1770 foreshore will be the location for the 1770 Festival  Dragon Boat Regatta. Our local Dragon Boat team will host over 20 visiting teams and of course want the honour of winning the coveted Cook Trophy.

Come along to Air Sea Rescue Park and Endeavor Park, 1770 for a day of water activities including sailing, kayaking and SUP events. There will be plenty of food and beverage vendors as well as entertainment.

In the Air at 1770

Week Two – 11 through 17 May

Join the Captain Cook Golf Tournament at the 1770 Golf Club.

Go fly a kite. Learn the finer techniques of kite making at one of our kite workshops. Once you have made a kite, let’s go fly and see who will achieve recognition in kite flying.

The annual 1770 Art Show will be held from 13 through 23 May and is the opportunity for local artists and the region to showcase incredible work. Agnes Water and 1770 is the home for so many talented artists and we are proud of this annual exhibition.

Once again the twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 will come alive with roving street performers and other events to complement the 250th anniversary celebrations.

Weekend Two –  16 and 17 May

The 1770 Festival introduced the 1770 Festival Surf Clinic in 2019 and the 250th anniversary will host a surfing competition and another the Surf Clinic.

This weekend will also host a kite flying competition, skydiving exhibition, kite surfing, and a Classic Car and Bike show

On the Land at 1770

Week Three – 18 through 24 May

Join in the Cook Lawn Bowls Competition or enjoy a very special experience on the Larc! for a full day Bustard Head Lighthouse Tour. Bring your camera as the views from the lighthouse are some of the best views of 1770 and Bustard Bay.

The annual 1770 Art Show will be held from 13 through 23 May and is the opportunity for local artists and the region to showcase incredible work. Agnes Water and 1770 is the home for so many talented artists and the community is proud of the annual Art Show.

The twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 welcome the Royal Historical Society of Queensland for the Cook Conference. Conference attendance is open to the public to hear presentations from renowned experts on this important part of our history. Conference registration details will be included on this website.

Once again the twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 will come alive with roving street performers and other events to complement the 250th-anniversary celebrations.

Weekend Three – 23 and 24 May

The final weekend of the 250th-anniversary celebration is full of experiences. The traditional 1770 Festival at SES Festival will revolve around Surf, Soul & Sound. Events include the annual street parade, welcome ceremony, Indigenous cultural celebrations, Food Street, Retail Ally, Just for Kids Zone, Children’s Amusement rides, Eco Precinct, Lifestyle Precinct, Fireworks Spectacular, the Soul Garden and the annual Aquathon event.

Live entertainment on stage is always a favourite part the 1770 Festival. In 2020 this will continue as a major event.

Replica HMB Endeavour arrives Saturday 23 May

The 1770 Festival will provide full information on arrival time, parking and shuttle bus services to ensure the community has every opportunity to view this vessel.

Re-enactment of Cooks landing at Bustard Bay performed Sunday 24 May

The re-enactment cast will depart HMB Endeavour and row to shore. The 1770 Festival will provide full information on performance time, parking and shuttle bus services to ensure as many in the community are able to watch this important historical event.

Proudly Sponsored by Queensland Government