Sunshine Festival 2025: Rain keeps some people away but annual Geraldton event still full of community spirit

The Sunshine Festival returned to Geraldton last Sunday, and although the skies were overcast and the day began with a heavy downpour, the event still drew more than 1000 people. While the turnout was smaller than in previous years, those who attended were treated to a day of food, entertainment and community spirit that the weather could not wash away. A wide mix of food vendors, market stalls and local organisations braved the drizzle, filling the foreshore with colour and activity. Families wandered between stalls — umbrellas in hand — sampling treats and chatting with community groups who had worked hard to put on a show. For some, the day offered an unexpected silver lining. Seline Monroe, whose car broke down on the way into town, said she was glad the festival was there to lift her spirits. “It’s been such a stressful time with the flat tyre and being stranded with my daughter, but wandering into the city centre on such a gloomy day and finding all these great things to do was awesome,” she said. Long-time festival-goers Marc Palmer and his family made sure to attend, rain or shine. “We didn’t care about the rain. We don’t get many great days out like this, so we had to come down and see some of the performers,” he said. Greater Geraldton councillor Jenna Denton reflected on the festival’s long-standing tradition. “I have been attending the Sunshine Festival since I was a little kid and it’s so heartening to see the tradition continue each and every year. Today the sun was not shining but Geraldton still turned up, and that’s true community spirit in my eyes,” she said. “This year I had the privilege of judging the parade with mayor (Jerry) Clune and Kirrilee Warr MLA and the commitment from all ages was phenomenal.” The day concluded with the traditional float parade along Marine Terrace, featuring more than 20 floats and vehicles, ranging from mermaids blowing kisses to onlookers to fairies frantically handing out lollies to the eager kids watching. Woorree Scouts impressed the judges the most to claim best float, bringing a fitting close to a festival that once again highlighted Geraldton’s resilience and sense of community.