The Commonwealth Games will bring together more than 6600 athletes and team officials from 70 Commonwealth nations and territories around the world. As the largest sporting event to be staged in Australia this decade and the largest sporting event for the Gold Coast to date, there’s plenty happening around the region. And there are definitely events you’re not going to want to miss.
1. FESTIVAL 2018 GOLD COAST
Excitement is building on the Gold Coast and even more exciting is the Festival 2018 Gold Coast that will accompany all that sport. The aim of the Festival is to extend the action so you can get a taste of everything and anything. Head out of the stadium and onto the beaches.
The Festival will see several locations on the Gold Coast come alive with a lineup of music, theatre, circus, dance, street performances, good festivals and more. If you enjoy the live music at the Cooly Hotel, then you’ll love this! There’s also some fascinating local art that will show the world what Australian indigenous artists can really do.
For things not to miss on the Festival schedule, there’s the Queensland Music Stage in Broadbeach, headlined by international music star Kate Miller-Heidke. Of course, there will be plenty of live music happening around Surfers Paradise with Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project, The Cat Empire and Hot Dub Time Machine among others.
Not into music? Head to Currumbin. Quiet by Nature offers festival goers the chance to visit the Currumbin Estuary under the moonlight. There’s even a special kayak ride with a unique twist. Also at Currumbin, there’s a performance by Fijian dance company, VOU. The company fuses old and new styles of dance so you definitely won’t have seen anything like it before.
2. BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Is there anything better than hanging out on the sand by the surf watching some sport? Nope, we don’t think so either. At the Commonwealth Games 2018, Beach Volleyball will take place on Coolangatta Beachfront, so as you take in the action on the sand, you can also enjoy the serenity of the world-class surf breaks and iconic skyline views.
Remember to keep hydrated. Best to bring your own clear water bottle to refill. Just make sure it’s transparent otherwise it won’t be allowed inside. Also, pack some sun protection. It can get hot out there so wear a hat and regularly apply sun cream. And most importantly of all, bring your party energy. Beach Volleyball is by far, one of the most entertaining and atmospheric sports with a party vibe, so be prepared to dance in your seat and get your groove on.
3. OPENING CEREMONY
Whether you’re heading to the stadium to see it live, heading to a venue in the vicinity to enjoy the atmosphere or watching on the tele at home, the Opening Ceremony officially kicks off the 2018 Commonwealth Games. There’ll be theatre, visual effects, dancing and music as the performers showcase the culture, colour, unity and diversity of this year’s Games. And of course, watch as the athletes and team officials march into the stadium, ready to take on their dreams.
4. THE SWIMMING
No one can deny that Australia excels in the pool and this year’s Commonwealth Games will be no exception. Expect broken records and heart-stopping finishes as the top swimmers from around the Commonwealth nations compete for gold. The atmosphere in the Aquatic Centre is usually one of the most thrilling so be prepared to be on the edge of your seat for the duration of the day.
5. THE GYMNASTICS
Grace, strength, splits and flips, the movement, the flexibility, the poise and the intense concentration – who doesn’t love gymnastics? Regardless of whether you’re interested in the gymnastics or not, there’s something about the skills that it takes years to master that draws even the toughest critic in.
The athletes are perfectly trained, timed and choreographed, even down to their landings, and their routines take years to perfect. What’s most fascinating of all is that the athletes generally perform across various apparatus so essentially, they’re partaking in several sports.
You’ll be drawn in as you watch the flips, turns and twists, and we can almost guarantee there’ll be heartbreak as you empathise with the athlete who gave it their all but didn’t get the score they deserved.
6. THE CLOSING CEREMONY
Be part of the audience as the curtain comes down on what we can guarantee will be the best Commonwealth Games ever. The Closing Ceremony is sure to be one final celebration in true Gold Coast style with tributes to the athletes, teams and communities.
There’ll be partying galore, celebrations, and a fitting farewell to everyone involved, before the baton is passed to the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The closing ceremony tends to be a little less formal than its opening counterpart so if you’re in the mood to party with the athletes, this one is the ticket to get.
