There’s the Perth Festival, there’s Fringe, then there’s Strange Festival Perth. To me Strange Perth is what Fringe was when it first began … creative, off the wall, challenging, a tad weird and something that will definitely get you thinking. If you like your festivals with a side of uncertainty, Strange Festival Perth is for you. The installations are free. Be quick it’s only on for ten days, June 16 to 25.
Last year was the first Strange Festival and it was a hoot, especially the fiery event by Cor Novis at Forrest Chase. I mean who doesn’t want to watch a massive spiderweb go up in flame. The blaze was so fierce I was surprised half a dozen fire trucks didn’t turn up. Can’t wait to see what they do this year.
Celebrating the misfits and misunderstood, Strange festival invites you to explore the city and experience things you might normally shy away from.
The festival includes visual, aural, experiential, sculpture, projections, video and performance art throughout Boorloo.
One of the best things about the festival is you get to check out hidden and forgotten places of our city and do so safely. The creative works and installations are free, They weave throughout Central Perth, encouraging you to uncover different corners of a city. Grab a map and explore.
Strange takes place over ten days in June (16th – 25th) throughout the Perth CBD.
Some tips from me:
- Grab a map;
- Allow enough time to explore, it’s super easy to get lost down the rabbit hole of Strange;
- Wear comfy shoes (and clean socks for one installation);
- Check out the Liberty Theatre Celluloid Revival of some iconic old films;
- Get down (literally) to Pooles Temple for eight nights of Strange live music, comedy and performance;
- Check out the art exhibitions. Shout out to Michael Betts for another great addition to our street art this time in Grand Lane;
- Do not miss the Cor Novis events;
- Block out the June 25 for the final night event;
- It would be remiss of me not to point out that some of the venues are not accessible for people with disabilities. They’re better than they were last year and we all live and learn, so hopefully they’ll be even better next year. In the meantime, make sure you check the venues access before organizing your night out;
- Don’t blame me if time races by and you miss out on another fascinating Strange festival.
If the launch is anything to go by you won’t want miss it this year. Definitely worth leaving the house for. I’ve already blocked out the 25th.
For more information including a map of all the free installations go to Strange Perth
