2015 Fremantle Street Arts Festival
We couldn’t have wished for more perfect weather as we headed to Fremantle for this year’s Fremantle Street Arts Festival. The festival entertains in unusual, captivating and wonderful ways, showcasing buskers, comedians, musicians, jugglers, gymnasts and street performers. And we couldn’t have wished for greater line up of street performers either. Spread over 3 days of the Easter long weekend the crowds gathered early to be entertained, overwhelmed and flabbergasted in Australia’s biggest and best street arts festival.
With High Street and South Terrace closed to traffic, the streets were transformed into a multitude of stages and outdoor licensed areas adding vibrancy to the port side city. Fremantle is a unique place in the world and thousands of people flock here to witness breathtaking performances whilst soaking up the famous Freo atmosphere.
Performing several times over the three days, each act entertains at different locations throughout the streets. Programs are available to plan the day or you can mosey through the streets and be entertained as you stumble upon the world class acts.
The popular annual event first started as a grassroots busking event 16 years and today many of this year’s acts and performers from France, Japan, USA, UK, Cuba and Netherlands attracts more than 100,000 people.
And it wasn’t just the people taking over the streets. The first act we saw was a group of four rats invading the streets. If you enjoyed the tale of the Pied Piper growing up then you will appreciate the reality watching this French production of a flautist and his four giant rodents. Perky & Fiddle from Netherlands are garden gnomes looking for adventure as they ride their bikes beyond the garden beds. Kiki & Pascal from UK & Kasador combined singing, juggling and contortion and even a surprise wedding in their hilarious stand up show. We then stumbled upon Madam Bonbon, a whimsical story teller and cupcake reader from UK who wears a croquembouche on her head. Our cupcake read “Good things come to those who wait” which related well to us.
From Japan a silent comedy couple dressed in white, Sivouplait who prove laughter has no language barriers. Eloise Green, The Hula Queen combined her comedy and acrobatics with hula hoops and an unexpected wedding. Then onto the Norfolk Hotel for some lunch where we found UK’s giant Seagulls poking their beaks into people’s lunches and other tomfoolery. Ole from Spain were the musical act of the festival with their combination of flamenco guitars, singing, harmonica playing harmonising with juggling, ping pong spitting and egg throwing. They even serenaded a lady in the audience.
There were many pop up restaurants and bars to kick back, have a meal and a drink and listen to some music between acts.
This year’s event was bigger and better than ever. The crowds enjoyed a diverse and eclectic range of free entertainment and family acts. The festival was packed with special events, bursting with verve and colour in true Freo style.
Do you enjoy street arts? What type of acts do you find the most entertaining?
Hahah, just imagine going home late at night (after a beer for example) and meeting such a big rat over the corner 😉 Honestly, I’d die at the place 🙂
Funny you say that, the rats visited the food hall at the markets and began foraging in some leftovers before the tables were cleared. The seagulls were equally as cheeky, sneaking chips of people’s plates as they ate at the local pub. Thanks for your comments Isabella.
You do feature some fantastic events! I’im impressed by the hula queen, am hopeless with one!
Suze The Luxury Columnist recently posted…Seven Star Global Luxury Awards – Interview with Khalil El-Mouelhy
Thanks Suze, we have been very fortunate to have some great events lately here in Perth. The Hula Queen was awesome, besides her ability with the hoop she was also very funny.
Those rat puppets look horrific, Lyn! I’d have ran away from them in a minute, but I would have definitely spent more time with Madame Bonbon.
Anda recently posted…The Weekly Postcard: Pont d’Avignon
Hehe yes, a little too realistic aren’t they? But it was fun to watch them getting their boogie on as they danced. Madame Bonbon was certainly a favourite of ours, and memorable with our private cupcake reading.
You have succeeded in capturing the movement and colour of the festival with your photos. Brilliant.
Lyn (aka) The Travelling Lindfields recently posted…Leaving Sydney
Thanks Lyn, these are the type of events we truly love to experience, glad we captured the essence of it.
Some of those costumes are wild! What an awesome event.
Madaline recently posted…Homemade Pasta Recipe | Magic of Simplicity
Thanks for your comment Madaline, it was such a great event, we saw it over 2 days.
FABULOUS coverage! THANKS Hole in My Shoe!
Thanks Helen… I mean Madame Bonbon. I hope your book is returned to you.