The City of Perth festival – which runs from 24 June to 21 July – will see an impressive program of free events and experiences around the city from unique art installations and school holiday activities to make-believe snowfall in the malls and live ice carving.
This year will see Forrest Place transformed as Swiss artist Dan Acher brings the Northern Lights to Perth with Borealis – a unique light installation that beams high power lasers through particle clouds to recreate the mesmerising natural phenomenon. Borealis has previously showed at the Tower of London.
For families looking to entertain the kids these holidays, there will be Water Wildlife Up Close in Carillon City giving little scientists the opportunity to meet and learn about sharks, sea stars, urchins, frogs and other sea creatures.
A firm favourite from last year, Winter Fest Theatre will be back in 2019 featuring magicians, acrobats, comedians, jugglers, singers, dancers and more. There will also be adult-only sessions (18+) on Friday 12 and 19 July for those who want a night out without the kids.
City of Perth Deputy Chair Commissioner Gaye McMath said Winter Fest would create a vibrant, culturally-inspired city with something for everyone.
“Perth will come alive over Winter Fest as visitors and residents discover new events and experiences,” she said. “Far from going into hibernation, the city will be buzzing with activities, events, art installations, food and beverages offers, and much more.”
“The City is committed to working with key stakeholders for Winter Fest and beyond to grow and promote the amazing range of cultural, culinary, sporting and tourism experiences across Perth during winter.”
Warm up with your city this Winter Fest.
For a full list of events and offers, see visitperth.com.au or follow @VisitPerth on Instagram and @CityofPerth on Facebook. Don’t forget to use the hashtags: #winterfestperth #visitperth #cityofperth
Issued by: Tomi Ellis, Corporate Communications Officer, 0437 653 511, tomi.ellis@cityofperth.wa.gov.au
Top events
SNOW MALL
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 28 June to 21 July | Hay Street Mall | Fri 5 to 8pm; Sat and Sun 2 to 5pm | Free
Be delighted as make-believe snow falls before your eyes. Snow will fall in 10-minute intervals, with three sessions per hour.
BOREALIS BY DAN ACHER
24 to 30 June | Forrest Place | 6 to 10pm | Free
This year will see Forrest Place transformed as Swiss artist Dan Acher brings the Northern Lights to Perth with Borealis – a unique light installation that beams high power lasers through particle clouds to recreate the mesmerising natural phenomenon. Borealis has previously showed at the Tower of London.
‘GUARDIANS’ BY OLOLO
1 to 21 July | Various performance locations and times | Free
Guardians is a robotic sculpture performance featuring two seemingly autonomous monoliths. The technological beings perform ethereal songs, harmonising together among crowds in slow choreographed movements to establish an order of calm. Roving locations include Murray Street, Hay Street, Yagan Square, Kings Square and Elizabeth Quay.
WINTER LIGHTS AT BROOKFIELD PLACE
3 to 13 July | Brookfield Place | 6 to 11pm | Free | bfplperth.com
This annual event will transform Brookfield Place with dazzling light projections, thought-provoking art installations and roving entertainment for the whole family.
DINNER FOR THE SINNERS
5 and 6 July | Cathedral Square | 5.30 on Friday and 6pm on Saturday| $220pp
Join chef George Cooper of Tiller Dining in his 'Garden of Eatin' for a decadent seven-course degustation dinner. Each course will be matched to one of the seven deadly sins using wholesome produce from the Tiller farm in Yallingup, and paired with local WA wines. This long table dinner will be served in a beautiful clear marquee overlooking St George’s Cathedral. Saints are also welcome.
‘ENTITLEMENT 2’ BY SIMON GILBY
5 to 21 July | Cathedral Square | Free
Cathedral Square will welcome an ephemeral statue by local artist and sculptor Simon Gilby. A human figure that is in a constant state of transformation will slowly accrue ice on its surface transforming from a delicate naked figure to a complex amorphous artform. Throughout its installation the artwork will expand and contract, gaining and losing mass from, and back to, the atmosphere.
WINTER FEST THEATRE
6 to 21 July | Forrest Place | Various session times | Free, bookings essential
Featuring magicians, acrobats, comedians, jugglers, singers and dancers, Forrest Place will be transformed into a theatrical hub these winter school holidays. Perfect for adults and children alike. There will also be adult-only sessions (18+) on Friday 12 and 19 July for those who want a night out without the kids.
WATER WILDLIFE UP CLOSE
8 to 12 July | Carillon City | Various sessions from 10am to 3pm | Free
Enter an underwater world these school holidays and meet a shark, sea stars, urchins, turtles, frogs and other sea creatures. There is also the opportunity for little scientists to learn about macro invertebrates and get creative with sand art.
WINTER IS AWESOME IN THE PERTH CULTURAL CENTRE
15 to 19 July | Cultural Centre | 10am to 2pm | Free
Bring the kids to this creative wonderland featuring craft, storytelling, lunchtime concerts, a ball pit and more.
LIVE ICE CARVING
Every Saturday until 13 July | Northbridge Piazza | 4pm | Free
Be amazed as you watch Ice2Art create beautiful sculptures using nothing but a block of ice, a few choice tools and their imagination.