Sweet Success for the 2025 Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival

Published on 05 June 2025

The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival for 2025 once again delivered a uniquely Burdekin experience, blending cane, culture, community and great food into one unforgettable weekend. 

The festival saw over 4,000 locals and visitors make their way to the Home Hill Showgrounds to soak up everything from smokey cook-offs to live music under the stars, stalls, kids’ activities, cultural performances and, of course, the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships showcasing one of the region’s proudest traditions. 

While the First Fire of the Season didn’t ignite as spectacularly as in previous years, it offered something just as real, an authentic snapshot of cane farming life. 

As many local farmers will tell you: sometimes the cane lights up, sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s farming. This honest moment gave visitors a glimpse into the industry’s unpredictable nature and the influence of weather on one of our region’s most iconic traditions.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival was nothing short of spectacular.

“The Burdekin turned it on once again, from the Canefield Cook-Off and world-class hand cane cutting to the music, markets and family fun atmosphere, there was something for everyone,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“Our community knows how to put on a show, and the energy across the weekend was incredible.

“I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who made it happen. It’s these moments that put the Burdekin on the map and leave people already counting down to the next one.”

Events like the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival don’t happen without the dedication and passion of our sponsors, volunteers, event staff, performers and the entire Burdekin community and we thank every single person who helped make 2025 an outstanding success.