The Wollongong Fringe Festival kicks off on Thursday evening with more than 40 free and ticketed events across two weeks.
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Destination Wollongong has worked closely with Yours and Owls plus other partners to create a diverse program which encompasses food, music, science, comedy, tech and film.
“It’s a work in progress but it has unlimited potential,” Destination Wollongong Major Events and Special Projects manager Jeremy Wilshire said.
“[We’re] really trying to nurture the cultural/entertainment space and we’re starting to get some real traction.”
He hopes the the community embraces the Fringe as much as they did the inaugural Spiegeltent season and the Anywhere Theatre Festival.
“It’s a great way to support local businesses and the artistic sector, it drives the night economy (both in terms of local engagement and overnight visitation) and enhances Wollongong’s reputation as a progressive and cosmopolitan place,” Mr Wilshire said.
Destination Wollongong’s top priority for the Fringe is to ensure the program is cutting edge (with a number of tech elements), interactive (music photography masterclass or song writing workshop puts you in the middle of the action) and ever-evolving, or challenging the norm (see Weird Science, Astral Vacation or Craft Party at the Brewhouse).
“Essentially [Wollongong Fringe is] bookended over the two weekends by Elton John, then Yours and Owls [music festival] – not a bad double!”
JEREMY WILSHIRE’s TOP FRINGE PICKS:
- I’m with the Band: Music Photography Masterclass with Chris Frape (September 21)
- Sydney Underground Film Festival screening of Kuso! (hailed by many as the grossest film of all time) (September 24)
- Song writing workshop with former Stanwell Park musician Bec Sandridge, hosted by Wild Rumpus. (September 30)
- Weird Science a fish eye film adapted for the full dome projection at Wollongong Planetarium. Music scores by Russell W and Jon Watts to be performed live. (September 22)
- Useless Wooden Toys Exhibition - more than 25 used skateboard decks, painted by a range of local artists on show at Howlin’ Wolf Whiskey Bar. The boards will all be auctioned off on the night with proceeds going to local charity. (September 27)
- Caveau Native and Wild Ingredient degustation Dinner. (September 26)
- Yours and Owls Under 18 festival at Waves. (September 30)
- UOW Big Ideas Festival at University Hall on Northfields Avenue. (October 4)
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FRINGE:
- iAccelerate Demo Day where start-up companies get to showcase their innovative businesses. (September 22)
- Green Flicks film festival – screening of shortlisted films for FREE (September 22)
- Sound Exposure exhibition by band photographers Ian Laidlaw and Chris Frape. (September 6 – October 3)
- Life Off The Grid: Adventures with Autumn Farm lunch at iAccelerate. Followed by a tour of the Sustainable Building Research Centre and Flame Tree House. (September 29)
The University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus, Wollongong Art Gallery and the Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium are the primary venues for the fringe.
The Wollongong Fringe runs from September 21 to October 4.
Ticketing and more information can be found at: www.wollongongfringefestival.com.au
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
