Perth Festival 2017 kicks off in a big way this Friday with the Lotterywest Festival Opening Weekend extravaganza BOORNA WAANGINY: THE TREES SPEAK, a PIAF Commission and FREE event from director Nigel Jamieson.
Over three extraordinary nights Kings Park will be magically transformed into a cathedral of light, sound and imagery in which the trees come to life. State of the art technology and the natural world come together for this spectacular walk-through experience that runs continuously from 8–10.30pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a Welcome to Country on Friday, February 10 at 7.45pm.
You are welcome to arrive at any time during the evening and experience the event at your own pace.Your 1.2km (approximately 45 minutes) journey begins at Fraser Avenue and concludes with a stunning light installation at the Pioneer Women’s Memorial. Don’t miss out!
Also hitting the ground running Friday is the Chevron Festival Gardens with UK hip hop sensation Lady Leshurr (pictured above), supported by Ngaiire. Across the opening weekend treat yourself to legendary Californian rap duo Blackalicious on Saturday, before trip hop legends and former Morcheeba members Skye and Ross complete a big weekend on Sunday.
And did somebody say Happy Hour at the Gardens?? Each day during Happy Hour, a number of ‘Two-for-One’ tickets will be available at the Chevron Festival Gardens Box Office for each night’s gig (except sold out shows). Plus Tuesday–Thursday from 6.30–7pm there will be Pimms for $28 for a bottle (usually $40) and same again on Friday, 5–6pm and Saturday–Sunday, 4–5pm.
Plus food specials include spend $20, get 20% off at Eat Street, half price crushed potatoes with any taco purchase at Eat No Evil, 20% off all menu items at Soul Provider, 10% off all menu items at Meast, 20% off when you spend $15 or more at Saigon Soul Food, and 30% off your second sandwich at Tres Brasas. Our mouths are watering!
Also worth a mention on the music front this weekend is Soft Soft Loud on Saturday at the Fremantle Arts Centre. Featuring the talents of New York’s William Brittelle & Aaron Roche alongside an ensemble of WA’s finest musicians, they will meld the worlds of pop and New York’s downtown classical scene together in a newly conceived piece, exclusive to Fremantle Arts Centre during PIAF 2017.
For the kids there’s the world premiere of Small Voices Louder, which runs from February 10 through March 5 at the State Theatre Centre of WA.
And we’ve barely gotten started – visual arts, film, dance, theatre and more abound – head to www.perthfestival.com.au for more info. See you at the festival!
