Reminisce as the Hotshots Big Band perform music from WWII
Glen Miller “In the Mood” and other giants of the Big Band Era. The Igloo is all about entertainment & will rise again with this dedication to history
There is an old aircraft hanger shaped building at Rocky Creek. It doesn’t look like much now but from 1943 to 1945 it was a part of the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere. The building, referred to as an igloo, is the only remaining structure of what was a 700 acre World War II hospital facility.
The igloo was the Theatre (not the operational type), where patients and staff were entertained by performers of all sorts including comedian Bob Hope.
The Entertainment Igloo, constructed in 1943, demonstrates a rare aspect of Queensland’s cultural heritage as one of the few remaining small igloos designed and operated as a theatre during World War II.
The Rocky Creek World War II Hospital Complex was in operation from October 1942 until September 1945 as part of the medical installations established in North Queensland during World War II.
Some 60, 000 patients were treated at this facility in almost three years.
The Atherton Rotary Club has been named trustee of the igloo and they plan to restore it to its former glory.
Don’t miss this Free event! A coach transfer from Cairns is available. First stop the Mareeba Markets plus lunch and afternoon tea stops. Cost includes Return Coach travel ex Cairns to the Igloo event Lunch & Afternoon tea at own expense*
Itinerary for the day – Saturday 11 April 2015 $35pp
- 8.55am Board the coach at DFO CARPARK Lyons Street (Mann Street end) Cairns Qld
- 9.00am Coach Departs
- 10.00 – 12.30pm Mareeba Markets
- 12.30-1.30pm Coffee Works for Lunch*
- 2.00pm – 4pm IGLOO Restoration Event & “swinging music” from the Big Band Era
- 4pm -5pm Return Travel to Cairns with an afternoon tea stop at Emerald Creek Ice Creamery*
*NB Lunch, afternoon tea and other refreshments are at your own expense
Book your seat today and join us for a fun day out !