Mount Gambier came alive during the Mount Gambier Fringe Festival, 24 March – 2 April 2018 as 12,000 people flocked to various shows and performances, including the Liftoff Party and Showcase event.
The Liftoff event saw a street party vibe in Commercial Street East on Friday 24 March. The party centred around the Cave Garden which was filled with locals and visitors who were keen to celebrate arts, culture, music and great food from local eateries including Metro, Presto, Copenhagen and Jens Hotel.
“In the second year of Fringe Mount Gambier, we had record numbers attend the Street Party and Cave Garden Fringe Showcase. Ticketed shows were also well attended, and many were sold out which is a fantastic result,” Fringe Ambassador Louise Adams said.
The festivities continued on Saturday 25 March in the Cave Garden with a full program of activities curated by performers Louise Adams, Mark de Nys and Lewis Major which entertained locals in a family friendly atmosphere all day.
“To see talented local artists perform seamlessly alongside nationally acclaimed and experienced Fringe artists from afar was thrilling. So many local artists, venues and audiences pushed themselves out of their comfort zone to embrace Fringe and ultimately that is what a good Fringe Festival should achieve.”
“Seeing all our events, free or ticketed, have really strong attendances was wonderful - it certainly helps build confidence for artists, venues, local businesses and funding bodies which in turn will help spread the word that we are creating something special here in Mount Gambier,” Ms Adams said.
Fringe in Mount Gambier was a collaboration between City of Mount Gambier and Country Arts SA, along with local artists and musicians who came together to highlight Mount Gambier as a cultural destination and community that embraces acceptance and diversity while presenting entertaining, edgy and quirky content.
“Events like Fringe Mount Gambier don’t just happen, and it is a credit to everyone involved; audiences, local businesses, artists, Council, Country Arts, schools, Adelaide Fringe media and volunteers. The enthusiasm of all these people are the seeds needed to grow a sustainable and exciting Arts Festival for our region,” Ms Adams said.
Photos courtesy of Tanya Ewen
