From humble beginnings GFEST comes of age in 2014 with a 10 day celebration of arts, culture and community. Add a fabulous 60’s theme - what a ‘GAS’ (GFEST ARTS SPECTACULAR)! For the first time, from 3rd to 12th October, GFEST brings the gorgeous De Parel Speigeltent to Geraldton's Queens Park as the hub of a program that promises something to delight and surprise just about everyone.
Jointly presented by GFEST, ACDC Community Arts and City of Greater-Geraldton, GAS features exhibitions, workshops, film, markets, world class performances and events for all ages.
Everyone will have the chance to experience the Speigeltent, with family friendly activities each day, and a diverse range of performances every evening. Across the City high quality art exhibitions will feature the cream of local and state artistic talent.
The 10 day Spiegeltent program features:
- Official VIP Mad Men style Cocktail Launch with Triple J Unearthed band Boom!Bap! Pow!
- Gidget's Go Go Beach Bop – all ages 60s style family beach party with games and fun; alcohol & smoke free event.
- Argentinian Tango and Ballroom Dance Night – featuring our twinkle toed and very talented MLC Paul Brown.
- Two great comedy nights – with The Comedy Emporium – including a crazy Midnight Cowboys session where anything could happen.
- Groove Lounge – featuring live jazz and blues bands – Blue Mercy and Hunter-Lloyd, plus dance performances.
- Grrrowl Nightclub with local DJ powerhouse Bassway and a line up of DJs plus great light shows, sexy fire dancers and more;
- our signature GFEST eXtravaganza cabaret night with Whisky A Go Go theme with Famous Sharron, Sideshow Superstars, burlesque, drag shows and bewitching circus acts.
Plus daily art, dance, poetry, yoga and circus workshops in the Speigeltent.
Festival Director Raina Savage said, "We can't wait to share this unique venue and program with the people of Geraldton."
"We have nurtured this vision for years, and now, with the huge support of the City of Greater-Geraldton, Lotterywest and our other sponsors, we are finally able to bring it to life."
AMAZING BELGIAN 'MIRROR TENT' LIGHTS UP QUEENS PARK GARDENS
For the first time Geraldton will experience the magic of a Speigeltent – one of the few remaining Belgian 'mirror tents' hand crafted in Europe during the elegant and glamorous art deco period last century.
A perfectly round structure, with interior walls lined with brass and leather booths, stained glass windows, an elegant wood and brass bar, patterned dance floor, all contained under a jaunty circus tent roof. Speigeltents are a staple of major fringe festivals throughout Australia & overseas, and are passionately loved by cabaret, circus and vaudeville performers.
The Spiegeltent will be the venue for a 10 day program of arts performances, events and workshops – with something for everyone.
RELAX AND CHILL IN THE LIGHT FILLED GO-GO GARDEN
The Speigeltent won’t be the only unique venue during the festival. Surrounding it, and continuing the Swinging 60s theme, the 'Go Go Garden' ]is an alfresco bar and dining area which patrons can enjoy throughout the festival. Light sculptures, circus themed artworks, and giant projections on the surrounding greenery, will create an enchanting venue to enjoy craft beers and fine wines, and sample fresh, organic local food.
The Go Go Garden will have its own program of events – kicking off with GerMANIC Oktoberfest event – with DJ Victor spinning edgy Berlin beats from 2pm- 8pm on Saturday 4th October. There will be live music every evening and some special events including Midnight in the Garden on Wednesday 8th October, featuring fire dancers and aerial performers.
Ms Savage said, “There will be amazing things going on in the Spiegeltent every day – but you don’t have to go inside to enjoy the atmosphere. The Go Go Garden will be an ambient, relaxed and very cool place where people can just come and hang out and enjoy the beautiful Geraldton spring evenings.’
THE FLAGSHIP EVENT - GFEST eXtravaganza
To cap off the festival, this year's signature GFEST eXtravaganza travels back to the Swinging 60s- to the famous Whisky A Go Go Nightclub on Sunset Strip.
Special guest stars this year include our fabulous MC – Famous Sharron – a real crowd pleaser; the incredible King of Swords – Aerial Manx; the Godfather of Modern Sideshow Shep Huntly ; go go goddesses Coco Poppin and Scarlet O'Harlot – from Sugar Bue Burlesque – and making their burlesque debut our very own House of Jezebelle dancers. There are sensational circus feats from Natural Wings Aerial dance and our own amazing PCYC Gidget Superstars and of course, no GFEST is complete without a raucously outrageous drag Show – with 60s Divas, beach bunnies and boots that were really made for walking! Dress to impress with beehives, miu mius, mop tops and stove-pipes.Ticket $50 or $60 at the door, available online www.gfest.com.au or at ACDC, 33 Marine Terrace Geraldton.
For THE FULL PROGRAM and tickets check out the website www.gfest.com.au.
