This Saturday for one night only the streets of Castlemaine will come alive with seven hours of free entertainment as part of the 2021 Castlemaine Fringe Festival.
There will truly be something for everyone with a Teddy Bears Picnic at Victory Park, projections on the exterior of the Market Building, a pop-up disco, a hula hoop troupe, circus performers, buskers and bands.
CFF production manager Stephanie Riddel said it would be a night of sensory pleasure where people could wander around the CBD and discover art and performance on every corner.
“When we first started planning the festival we didn’t even know if it would be able to go ahead, we focused on planning lots of events outdoors and our ‘Art Window Trail’ in the windows of local businesses. However, with restrictions easing we have been able to keep adding more events to the program and what we have planned for Saturday will be really special,” she said.
“Mostyn Street will be closed to traffic and entertainment will be focused around four stages. On the main stage on the steps of Castlemaine’s Historic Market Building Louise Terra will headline as well as Gospel in the Maine, The Omega Point, Lady Fun Times and Sons of the Blues and Jim Coad’s projections will provide a backdrop featuring art works created as part of the CFF colouring competition.
“In Victory Park events will kick off with the Teddy Bears Picnic followed by entertainment by new local female group Park Lunch and Thompson’s Foundry Band and later DJ tunes on the Kracken Submarine art car stage which has to be seen to be believed!
“A short distance away in the carpark in Frederick Street you will discover the ‘Wham Bam Stage’ and can take the opportunity to enjoy Social Dis-Dancing, the Meet-Market Disco and dress up at the ‘Wrong Town Boutique’ – a free costume popup shop where you can create an outfit and strut your stuff on the catwalk!”
Just a little stroll away on Forest Street you’ll find the ‘Comma Stage’ tucked in behind Bruce’s Kitchen where you can enjoy live entertainment by a range of artists including up and coming new star Nadia Phillips.
“There will also be roving performers and of course while your wandering the streets you can take in all the fabulous art of the Art Window Trail,” Steph said.
“Many of our fantastic local eateries will be staying open late for the evening so you can drop in a grab a bite to enjoy as you take in the festivities.
“Last year was a really tough year for everyone. We wanted to create an event that will ‘Re-Active’ the arts in our town and also our amazing local businesses.
“All the entertainment is free so be sure to join the party and help us celebrate!”
Visit castlemainefringe.org.au or pick up a copy of the RE-ACTIVATE program for performance details and times.
