C&K Team standing with the THRIVE Festival sign
Parents & Guardian

C&K and The Empire Invite Families to Play, Imagine, and THRIVE

3rd September 2026
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C&K is proud to mark eight years of partnership with The Empire’s much-loved THRIVE Festival in Toowoomba, a unique celebration of creativity, imagination, and play for children and families. Since joining as Presenting Partner in 2019, C&K has helped grow THRIVE into a highlight of the Spring school holidays, bringing together arts, storytelling, hands-on activities, and theatrical experiences designed especially for children.

Held at the Empire Theatre precinct during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, THRIVE Festival offers a mix of free and ticketed experiences across indoor and outdoor spaces, creating opportunities for children aged 0 to 12 years to learn, explore, and connect through play.

This year's festival theme launches into space, and will see families embark on an exciting journey of discovery with a program packed with engaging performances, interactive workshops, and creative activities that encourage curiosity and spark imagination. True to C&K's play-based approach to learning, the space theme is designed to turn big, abstract ideas into hands-on discovery - encouraging children to ask questions, experiment, and imagine their place in the world.

Acting C&K South Coast West Regional Manager, Jaye Oberle, said watching the partnership grow since 2019 has reinforced just how much children get from experiences like THRIVE.

"Since C&K came on board in 2019, we've loved watching THRIVE grow into something families look forward to every year. At C&K, we know children learn best when they are engaged, curious, and having fun, and this festival gives us a wonderful platform to bring that philosophy to life outside the classroom. We are delighted to be part of an event that creates such positive opportunities for children and our community."

Visitors to THRIVE Festival can stop by the C&K Activity Tent on the lawn of the Empire Theatre, where children and families can take part in fun, hands-on experiences and connect with C&K educators. This space reflects C&K’s long-standing philosophy that play is essential to learning and helps children grow into confident and capable learners.

By partnering with The Empire, C&K continues to invest in programs that enrich childhood, strengthen communities, and create memorable experiences for Queensland families. As a leading provider of early childhood education in Queensland, C&K recognises the important role arts and cultural experiences play in helping children build confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging - a philosophy shared by The Empire. THRIVE Festival is a wonderful opportunity for children to gather, imagine, play and, most importantly, thrive.

THRIVE Festival runs from Thursday 24th – Sunday 27th September, 2026. Learn more and explore the full program.

C&K Activity Tent at Thrive Festival, 2019

C&K Activity Tent at THRIVE Festival, 2019.

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