The first cane fire was lit on the Burdekin this week to herald the start of the crushing season in the sugar region.
IT was a sight to behold when the first cane fire of the season lit up the night sky in the Burdekin last night.
The iconic event was this year held at the Home Hill Showgrounds ahead of Saturday’s annual Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championship.
Hundreds of locals joined residents from across the North, Australia and abroad to witness the spectacle.
The event this year forms part of the inaugural Sweet Days, Hot Nights festival, which includes the burn, cane cutting and an array of family activities on Saturday.
Organisers have hailed the event a success so far, with last night’s event attracting at least 2000 people, well above the 500 who attended last year’s burn.
