Entertainment
8 February, 2026
Tanks aim to win award
TANKS Arts Centre has been nominated for best regional music venue in the 2026 Queensland Music Awards people’s choice awards, with voting now open to the public.
The nomination places Cairns alongside other North Queensland music events, including the Tablelands Folk Festival and Savannah in the Round, as the awards mark 20 years of celebrating Queensland music.
Housed in World War II-era fuel tanks beneath the rainforest canopy of Mt Whitfield, Tanks Arts Centre has developed a reputation for supporting regional musicians, emerging talent and touring artists in a venue closely connected to the Cairns community.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the nomination placed the city in the state music spotlight.
“Being recognised alongside major festivals and venues across the state proves Cairns more than holds its own. Tanks Arts Centre showcases our city’s creativity on a state and national stage,” she said.
“This nomination reflects the passion of the musicians, audiences and staff who make live music thrive in North Queensland.”
The 2026 Queensland Music Awards will be held at the Fortitude Music Hall on Wednesday 22 April, recognising excellence across blues, folk, pop, rock, jazz, hip-hop, country and electronic music as judged by more than 100 Australian and international music industry professionals.
Presented by The Music, the people’s choice awards include festival of the year, regional venue of the year and metro venue of the year.
Voting has now closed.
