Acclaimed flamenco guitarist Al Davies is set to add a distinctive Spanish flavour to this year's Childers Festival, performing at one of the festival's signature events as celebrations mark the festival's 30th anniversary.
Davies will headline the Picnic in the Vines experience at Vintner's Secret Vineyard on Friday, 24 July, where festival-goers will enjoy an afternoon of live flamenco music in a relaxed vineyard setting. The performance will feature songs from his recently released album Paradise Vista, alongside a selection of original compositions and traditional flamenco-inspired pieces.
Known for blending authentic Spanish guitar techniques with contemporary influences, Davies has built a reputation as one of Australia's leading flamenco performers. His performances combine intricate fingerstyle guitar, expressive melodies and rhythmic improvisation, creating an immersive musical experience inspired by the traditions of southern Spain while appealing to modern audiences.
The Picnic in the Vines event has become one of the popular ticketed experiences leading into the main Childers Festival weekend. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic rug or relax beneath the vineyard's shaded areas while enjoying local wines, regional produce and live entertainment. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase, with organisers describing the event as an opportunity to slow down and experience the scenic beauty of the Childers region through music, food and local hospitality.
Davies said performing at Childers provides a unique opportunity to connect with audiences in an intimate outdoor environment where music complements the surrounding landscape. He hopes listeners will enjoy both the new material from Paradise Vista and the atmosphere created by live acoustic performance among the vineyards.
The performance forms part of the wider Childers Festival, which runs from 23 to 26 July 2026 and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Across four days, the festival features concerts, cultural performances, food experiences, heritage tours, markets and family entertainment before culminating in the major Festival Day on Sunday, when the Bruce Highway through Childers is closed to traffic and transformed into a vibrant festival precinct with more than 300 market stalls, multiple live entertainment stages and street performers.
Festival organisers say the program has been designed to showcase the Bundaberg region's culture, local produce and creative talent while attracting visitors from across Queensland and interstate. Alongside Davies' performance, visitors can also enjoy events such as Opera by the Lake, the 30th Birthday Street Party, historic tours and sugar mill experiences throughout the festival weekend.
For music lovers, Davies' appearance offers a chance to experience the expressive sounds of flamenco guitar in one of the region's most picturesque settings, adding another unique attraction to one of Queensland's best-known regional festivals.
