A world music festival in one of Sydney’s best-loved harbourside parks and a live music ‘crawl’ through Newtown are just some of more than 300 events, performances and artworks to feature at this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival.
Now in its seventh year, the Fringe has grown to be the largest independent arts festival in NSW, featuring more than 1,800 artists and performers in 50 venues over its four-week program.
As the festival’s principal partner for 2016, the City of Sydney has provided organisers with $230,000 cash and value-in-kind support.
The City is also supporting two Fringe events – the Global Rhythms World Music Festival in Bicentennial Park with more than $20,000 cash and value-in-kind, and the King Street Crawl with $28,000 cash funding.
City of Sydney CEO, Monica Barone, said the Fringe was a premier event on Sydney’s cultural calendar that the City was proud to have supported since 2011.
“The City is committed to supporting major events and festivals that inspire and entertain audiences with exciting new artworks, live music and performances,” Ms Barone said.
“Festivals like the Fringe help ensure that Sydney retains its status as a globally competitive and innovative city with a thriving creative culture.
“They also attract thousands of interstate and international visitors who boost Sydney’s economy by spending money on accommodation, retail and other attractions during their stay.
“The Fringe is a one-of-a-kind celebration of the best that local artists have to offer, and a wonderful showcase for our city’s creative sector, small businesses and performance venues.
“With hundreds of events and activities to choose from, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes in this year’s program.”
To celebrate the launch of this year’s festival, Sydney Town Hall will be lit up in the Fringe’s trademark shade of pink on Tuesday 30 August.
On Sunday 4 September, The King Street Crawl will see some 30 pubs, bars, restaurants and shops in and around Newtown, Enmore and Erskineville play host to live performances by more than 100 musicians and artists.
The event is part of ongoing efforts by local community organisations to help ensure Newtown retains its iconic alternative atmosphere and remains safe and inclusive. The City has provided support to similar initiatives including the Newtown Vibes event series run by the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre earlier this year.
A mobile app will allow audiences to check set times throughout the day and navigate from venue to venue, as well as take curated tours of performances at small bars, record stores, restaurants and other venues.
To coincide with Father’s Day, the King Street Crawl will feature a number of family friendly venues and performances.
To close the festival on Friday 30 September, Bicentennial Park in Glebe will feature two stages of live music performances by world music artists from across Australia, along with free yoga sessions, sustainability demonstrations, kids’ activities and international food stalls.
Artists performing include Grace Barbe (WA), The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra (VIC), Black Smoke (NT), Dereb the Ambassador (NSW) and Sydney World Music Chamber Orchestra (NSW).
Sydney Fringe Festival director, Kerri Glasscock, said: “This year’s festival is set to be our biggest yet. We are thrilled to be partnering once again with the City of Sydney to put extra sparkle into our city’s night life, as Sydney's independent artists take over the streets, venues, bars and theatres throughout September."
The 2016 Sydney Fringe Festival runs from 1–30 September. For more information, visit sydneyfringe.com
For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Media Specialist Keeley Irvin. Phone 0448 005 718 or email kirvin@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au