OUR mighty Maroons will be at the heart of a new festival set to turn State of Origin into a four-day party of Queenslander pride, rugby league glory and economic opportunity.

The State Government will today announce details of the inaugural Maroon Festival set down for May 28-31 to extend the State of Origin experience beyond the game and attract tourism and business to Queensland.

The free community event will be held at South Bank to celebrate rugby league, opening on Sunday, May 28, with the Maroons team sailing down the Brisbane River.

Visitors will be able to meet their heroes and enjoy footy-themed entertainment, including game shows, match replays, kids activities and live panels featuring former Origin greats.

media_camera Oliver Patterson and his mates from the Nundah Devils score for the Maroon Festival. Picture: Jamie Hanson

There will also be a Legends Walk where fans can hunt down and collect former Origin players through an augmented reality treasure hunt game.

The festival will culminate with a huge outdoor live broadcast of Game 1.

Queensland Rugby League, in partnership with The Star Entertainment Group, the Queensland Government and the NRL have been working on the concept for some time. QRL Chairman Bruce Hatcher said the festival would hopefully grow into a “must-do annual event”.

“The festival will extend the State of Origin Series experience for fans beyond the game, attracting more visitors to Queensland and creating economic opportunities for Brisbane and the greater south east,” he said.

Premier Anna Palaszczuk said the festival would showcase our enviable lifestyle and encourage all Queenslanders to enjoy one of the state’s largest sporting events in a family friendly environment.

“It is a chance to celebrate everything it means to be a proud Queenslander,” she said.

Origin legend Petero Civoniceva will be the festival’s community ambassador.