From mid-February until mid-March next year, Adelaide is going to be absolutely buzzing.
Australia’s largest arts festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival has announced its programme, and it’s on the path to perfection. Next year’s festival will host more than 7,000 artists and feature 1,326 events –which is around 100 more than 2018. No biggie.
Over 400 artists will be making their Adelaide Fringe debut across 517 different venues.
“Each year we see more and more artists getting behind our fabulous festival,” Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall says.
They display “an increasingly diverse range of shows” so that attendees have an “exciting assortment of events to choose from, including wonderfully unique experiences like a music performance on a hot air balloon and a play set in a caravan park”.
On the subject of diversity, festival directors are making a specific point to be more diverse and inclusive in 2019 as an attempt to educate (and entertain) its audience. Topical issues to be discussed include disability, mental health, and the LGBTQI+ community.
Heather states that “South Australians often say the Fringe is the happiest time of year in Adelaide”.
“The joy the festival brings to audiences is immense, and we can’t wait to light up the city for another month of marvellous mayhem in 2019.”
Casus Circus
Fringe is pulling out the big guns, roping in home-grown comedy gold Judith Lucy as an ambassador. Alongside her are international cabaret performer Hans and AFL legend turned visual artist Gavin Wanganeen.
Judith will perform the show 'Judith Lucy Vs Men', Hans will show 'Like A German', and Gavin will attend the Fringe Talk Show as a guest.
Fringe-goers can sift between 13 varied genres: comedy (340 events); music (276); theatre (156); cabaret (135); visual art & design (86); children’s events (77); events (75); circus & physical theatre (52); dance (36); interactive (36); magic (25); film & digital (10); and the latest addition, workshops and talks.
The festival has even got government backing. Premier Steven Marshall says he’s proud that the State Government “continues to financially support the festival, making it even more affordable and appealing for artists from around the globe”.
It’s a worthy cause, according to the Premier, when you get to see Adelaide’s festival transformation: “An unforgettable mix of cutting-edge performance, world-class culture and South Australian hospitality”.
Some Adelaide Fringe 2019 Highlights
Tindo UtpurndeeRiver Torrens
This sunset ceremony will officially open the festival, while recognising the living culture of First Nations people and the spirit of the land.
Yabarra: Gathering of Light
River Torrens
Yabarra: Gathering of Light is an interactive installation of projection, sound and light. It aims to enliven Aboriginal storytelling, particularly Kaurna stories of native animals.
Fringe in Rundle Mall
Gawler Place Canopy, Rundle Mall
Rundle Mall offers family-friendly delights for everyone. It offers performances, workshops, special guests and a huge public artwork to explore.
Street Art Explosion
Grab a map and discover the vivacity of Adelaide. New street art works will feature alongside old favourites.
Fringe on Tour
Discover the festival thoroughly on a free Fringe Caravan ride.
Image © Claude Raschella
Various Adelaide Fringe 2019 Locations
Fringe at Westfield21, 23 & 24 February and 9, 10, 16 & 17 March
FREE
Fringe at Adelaide Airport
22 February February and 8 March
Adelaide Airport, Level Two, Centre Concourse
FREE
Murray Bridge Fringe
February 23
Sixth St, Murray Bridge
FREE
Port Fringe
2 March
Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide
FREE
Desert Fringe in Port Augusta
1-3 March
Port Augusta Cultural Centre, Yarta Purtli
FREE & TICKETED
Fringe Mount Gambier
22-31 March
Cave Garden and surrounds
FREE & TICKETED
UneARTh Festival in Whyalla
18-21 April
Venues across Whyalla
FREE & TICKETED
Fringe at IKEA Adelaide
16 February
397 Sir Donald Bradman Dr
FREE
