Queensland Conservatorium alumnus Kate Miller-Heidke has been announced as the first headline act for Festival 2018.

The multi-platinum selling artist will be a major drawcard at the multi-arts festival, which will run alongside the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games from 4-15 April.

Miller-Heidke graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2002 with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in classical voice. She will feature on the Queensland Music Stage, which will showcase Queensland’s best musical talent.

Queensland Conservatorium Director Professor Scott Harrison said the Con had produced many remarkable vocalists who had transformed the Australian music scene – from Dami Im to Katie Noonan and Megan Washington.

“Kate Miller-Heidke is one of many talented alumni making their mark on the world stage,” he said.

“We remain the dream destination for aspiring young musicians from around the world – this has been confirmed by our position among the top 50 performing arts programs in the world, and our recent ranking as the country’s leading creative arts school.”

Miller-Heidke said she was “thrilled” to perform at Festival 2018.

“It’s great to see such a breadth of talented artists representing Queensland on the stage across the festival,” she said.

“Queensland audiences have always been special to me, and I can’t wait to play with a string quartet and share my music with local audiences as well as visitors from around the world.”

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation Chairman Peter Beattie AC said Festival 2018 provided an important platform for the state’s best musical talent.

“It’s exciting to have Kate perform her incredible new set for Festival 2018,” he said.

“Audiences will enjoy an incredibly strong line-up of free, quality entertainment across the 12-day festival on the Gold Coast.

“The Queensland Music Stage will showcase the State’s best and emerging musical talents to a diverse global and local audience.”

Located in Surf Parade at Broadbeach for the duration of GC2018, the Queensland Music Stage is a free event that caters for all ages and musical tastes.

The full Queensland Music Stage line-up will be announced in February 2018 when the Festival 2018 program is launched.