The City of Fremantle is finalising its preparations for the return of the iconic Fremantle International Street Arts Festival which will run over the Easter long weekend from Friday 7-Monday 10 April.
Back from a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the festival is the largest of its kind in Australasia and features a mix of local, national and international performers from Japan, Scotland, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, the Philippines, Australia and the United States of America.
Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said it has been an exciting start to the year for the port city with the return of cruise ships, sports, festivals and events post-COVID, and the festival will continue to build on the early momentum.
"We welcomed an incredible amount of people over the three days when the festival was last held in 2019, and it's exciting to bring a crowd of that size back to the streets of Freo again," she said.
"The festival is a unique experience for local, interstate and international visitors who can expect high energy acts from stunning street theatre, irresistible roving performers to world-famous comedians".
Pitches and festival stages will be located at Walyalup Koort, FOMO, the Cappuccino Strip, Esplanade Reserve, Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle Prison and The Old Courthouse. There will also be roving performances throughout the city centre.
Audiences are encouraged to explore the city between the open-air theatre performances with shows taking place on:
- Friday 7 April, 12-5pm
- Saturday 8 April, 12-9pm
- Sunday 9 April, 12-9pm
- Monday 10 April, 12-5pm
The Fremantle International Street Arts Festival is delivered by the City of Fremantle in partnership with local businesses.
As part of the atmosphere, Fremantle's famous alfresco dining will step up a notch, with pop-up bars, eateries and boutique stores also extending into the streets.
Behind the scenes walking tour
Complimenting the celebration, a brand new behind the scenes walking tour is on offer, giving a curated experience of the festival.
The tour is hosted by an award-winning tour guide who will share insights into the preparation of the festival and infamous stories from the festival's history. People on the tour will also get an opportunity to interact with performers.
"It's already a joyous event to see the festival return and having this new tour lets audiences see a side of the festival they normally wouldn't see." Mayor Fitzhardinge said.
The tour departs from Fremantle Visitor Centre in Walyalup Koort. Tours are scheduled for two departure times over the weekend, 12noon and 3pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
For the full Fremantle International Street Arts Festival program visit streetartsfestival.com.au and all other events in Fremantle visit visitfremantle.com.au.
The behind the scenes walking tour tickets are strictly limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Book at Fremantle Street Arts Festival Tour.
Program highlights
Zimboyz
Zimboyz take you on a journey to a world of the spell-bindingly impossible with their breathtaking acrobatic flexibility, imagination and pure muscle strength. If you think your nerves just can't take anymore, then get ready to laugh with their explosive antics as they release untold daring energy and the desire for maximum fun.
Perth Sax Rockers
Perth Sax Rockers are ready to rock your socks off with their infectious energy and huge sax sound! Strap in for an epic action-packed, high-energy, rockin' extravaganza filled to the brim with all your favourite rock'n'roll classics.
Zap Circus
Be amazed as this internationally awarded, high energy circus and fire duo light up the night in a world class spectacle! Featuring a dazzling light show with spell binding excitement catch this inferno of fun as soon as you can.
The Gail Force Experience by Fliptease
Miss Gail Force is here to show you how to hoop, whip and flip. Watch her spread joy through street art as she gives you the natural power of the full, The Gail Force Experience!
Coiffures Barroques by Christopher Pavia
Inspired, artistic, and truly original, Christophe Pavia's hair transformations enchant audiences around the world. With a few ribbons, flowers, birds, butterflies, and a lot of whimsical skill, 'le coiffeur fou' takes lucky audience members and transforms them into a countess for a day, a living piece of art in only seven minutes.
The Giant Seagulls from Surreal McCoy
A pair of giant seagulls with fully working beaks, these cheeky birds are out and about in search of tasty morsels and mischief! Rummaging in bags, sneaking a chip, strutting about and generally endearing themselves to all. Flock to the seagulls for oceans of laughs.
Taiko On
The name of this dynamic ensemble is both a cheer to fellow-performers to beat the drums with all their energy and spirit, and the Japanese characters reveal their inspiration and focus-the "Sound of the Drum". The members train with dedication to perform at their highest level and display their love of Taiko with dynamic syncronised movements, powerful rhythms and melodic Shinobue flute or Earthy Didgeridoo Fusion.
Her Majesty's Secret Circus
Agents Honeymoon and Butterfly are on a mission: save humanity with laughter, one show at a time. Featuring an amazing juggling act, audience sleeper agents, and all the spy thriller references you can handle, Her Majesty's Secret Circus is a funny, spectacular, must-see show.
Roya the destroya
Roya the destroya believes every day is an adventure. Whether in front of dignitaries at the White House or on the beautiful streets of downtown Freo, her passionate show plays with her abilities to invite the audience into a soulful and joyful exchange.
