Enjoy a night under the stars to celebrate VP80
Date published: 4 July 2025
Townsville’s deep ties to the 5th United States Air Force will be re-ignited in a night to remember as a delegation of members and the 5th US Air Force band join the 1 RAR band to perform for 200 in Queens Gardens in a dinner under the stars next month.
The ticketed Dinner Under the Stars at Queens Gardens on 15 August 2025 will form a part of the region’s three-day Victory in the Pacific commemorations.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the formal event was set to make a return from previous decades’ celebrations and cater up to 200 people for a night to remember.
“Dinner Under the Stars formed part of the VP50 celebrations 30 years ago and is often referred to by some locals as one of Townsville’s biggest nights, so we’re thrilled to bring the event back again in 2025,” Cr Greaney said.
“With three days of festivities kicking off with a Commemoration Ceremony on the morning of Friday 15 August and events running through to Sunday 17 August, including the Dinner Under the Stars, historical reenactments, a community open day and parade along the Strand, as well as a sky salute – VP80 will have something for everyone.
“It has been a night to remember in years gone by, and tickets will sell fast, so we’re encouraging people to get online and secure their tickets, which will include a three-course meal, drinks package and an evening of stellar entertainment.”
VP50 project manager and now VP80 committee member Elliot Hannay said the celebration would be reminiscent of that hosted 30 years ago when thousands of Australian and American veterans from World War II returned to Townsville to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific.
“Our community wanted to honour the fallen from that terrible conflict but also recreate the joyful celebration that broke out in our city in 1945 when peace was finally declared after six years of war,” Mr Hannay said.
“The largest military unit in Townsville from 1942 was the 5th United States Airforce whose airmen and women developed personal bonds with many local families that endured throughout their lifetimes.
“A contingent of US veterans returned for VP50, along with then serving members of 5th USAF and their wonderful concert band.
“In our wrap-up of VP50, one event stood out as being unique among all the memorial services, parades, exhibitions, reunions and airshows ... the "Victory Ball" under the stars in Queens Gardens.”
Mr Hannay said themed as a ball, it was more like an outdoor dinner party in a spectacular North Queensland setting that amazed international visitors. Featuring two brilliant military bands and a lineup of fabulous singers to recreate the World War II jazz era music that helped lift the spirits of our community back then.
“The good news is there will be another gala dinner under the stars in Queens Gardens during VP80. I'm sure it will be just as memorable as the first one and that locals and visiting guests will still be talking about it in another 30 years’ time,” Mr Hannay said.
Dinner Under the Stars will be held from 7pm on Friday 15 August 2025 at Queens Gardens, North Ward.
For more information on VP80 in Townsville or to book tickets to the dinner event, visit What’s On Townsville.
