Fremantle Festival kicks off once again this month for 2017 and with a lineup of some 60 events it is set to be a truly unique experience.
Kings Square will be transformed into a Festival Hub as it is put to use for the last time for a major event, before it closes for redevelopment. Visit the Children’s Fiesta and watch the Great Fremantle Race here.
The centerpiece of the festival is the astounding work of veteran Swiss artist, Felice Varini. His optical illusions fascinate and amaze in work around the world. You may have noticed the foil-wrapped buildings around Fremantle in process and wondered what was going on. To see more on Varini go to: Felice Varini installation Arcs D’Ellipses.
Australian music legends Midnight Oil will perform at a sell-out concert at Fremantle Arts Centre. West Australian iconic band The Stems are on the lineup alongside other favourite bands and musicians, including The Jezabels, Abbe May, Jack Ladder with Peter Bibby, Koi Child, Ecca Vandal and newcomers Southern River Band. International artists Nite Jewel and Justin Townes Earle will add a new sound to the mix.
Or if you prefer your music more quirky pay attention to the drains in Fremantle Mall! German experimental sound artist Johannes S. Sistermanns will be assembling his sound installation there.
For some good Australian humour, you can’t go past comedians Frank Woodley and Sam Simmons, who each host their own stand-up shows.
And with visual and graphic arts, indigenous art, street art and installations to explore, there will be something for everyone.
Bring the kids on Sunday and take in the sights as the Blessing of the Fleet parades through town, and catch some performance art. Or walk over to the Maritime Museum and witness the incredible life-size scale of a humpback whale in graphite by West Australian artist Ross Potter.
Come down for a drink at the Local Pop-up Bar in Kings Square. Brought to you by the Local Hotel in South Fremantle, this will be the perfect spot to meet friends before or after events.
Visit the grand old Town Hall and see what’s been happening there during recent restorations, while you are there you may like to take in a show.
With the sound of contemporary music drifting from St Johns Anglican Church into the night, could there be a more perfect place to find yourself in Fremantle this 10 days of the year?!
And if you still have the energy at the end of the festival a very special and one-off concert will be held across four venues (Fremantle Prison, South Mole, Notre Dame Uni Courtyard, WA Maritime Museum) over the course of 24 hours. A Single Day will trace the beauty of one day as it passes across time, light and the historical landscape of Fremantle.
Fremantle Festival 2017 runs from 27 OCT – 05 NOV
All tickets can be purchased at the Ticketbooth at Festival Hub.
Mon – Wed 4.00 – 8.00pm; Sat – Sun 12.00 – 8.30pm
For the full lineup go to: fremantlefestival.com.au
