The twelfth Bleach* Festival will take over everywhere from North Burleigh to the valley in Currumbin and the flow of the Nerang River, when it hits the Gold Coast this August.
It’s the largest programme in Bleach* history, featuring more than 300 artists, 218 performances, and 38 events.
“Great art piques our imaginations and often leaves us with more questions than answers," Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says.
"Having seen a sneak peek of the 2023 Bleach* line-up, I know visitors will be left amazed at the incredible depth of artistic talent we have in our city. I can't wait for Bleach* to come alive in August.”
The festival will feature five main hubs, including the beachside haven of North Burleigh, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, HOTA and Currumbin Valley. The fifth hub is an exciting brand-new location at the recently unveiled Broadbeach Cultural Precinct.
‘First Light’ will mark the opening of Bleach*, with a 6am sunrise ceremony. ‘Heartland’, led by William Barton and violinist Veronique Serret will be a moving blend of song, poetry and didgeridoo. Live music will be at the heart of the North Burleigh Hub, in an eight-hour programme of free daily music performances in an all-local line-up. Then, ‘Last Light’ will close the festival at sunset and feature the world premiere of ‘Tower Divas’, a new Bleach* commission by an all-female cast and creatives.
The festival in 2023 features a hub located in Broadbeach Cultural Precinct – the new home of Placemakers*, the architects of Bleach* and Big City Lights*.
'Bliss' – Image © Joel Devereux
Imagine a festival within a festival – there are more than 22 shows on offer blending live music, drag, cabaret, theatre, comedy, and spoken word. A floating barge on the Nerang River is certain to cause a spectacle – just one of the stars of the Bleach* Broadbeach hub. Artists include Claire Edward’s OAM, Shugorei, and Yirinda.
Meanwhile, curated by The Good Room is ‘BLISS’. It’s about fun, frivolity and performance art, with a booming backdrop of electronic music. A night to remember, reminiscent of Studio 54, and A Galaxy Far Far Away. The Broadbeach hub will also be home to the Bleach* house band, featuring Martha Baartz and Mohini Cox. Also taking place at the hub will be ‘Silence Of The Jams’ from Eddie Ray, ‘Social Muscle Club’ from The Farm, ‘Heaven And Hell’ from Beverly Kills, and more.
The festival is also returning to the city’s Botanic Gardens, with three evenings of signature outdoor concerts and a free daily afternoon sound and meditation experience. Over at HOTA audiences can see the world premiere of ‘Roller Coaster’ by Everybody Now! and ‘The Imaginary Aviary’ by Vanessa Tomlinson. In Currumbin Valley there’s the likes of Brian Ritchie, Christine Johnston, Peter Nelson, Ritchie Daniell and Samuel Pankhurst.
There’ll also be a city-wide element to Bleach*, with an exciting convoy of eight cement trucks featuring commissioned work by local artist Dion Parker.
Tickets are on sale now.
Bleach* Festival is on from 3-13 August.
