THE City of Joondalup’s journey so far will be celebrated at the 2018 Joondalup Festival when it returns to the city centre this weekend.
This year’s theme of ‘Perform Create Reflect’ celebrates the history of the City, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary on July 1.
The festival site will feature seven interactive hubs along Central Walk, telling the Joondalup story through historical photos, hands-on activities and a commemorative trail brochure.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWPeople with their own story about Joondalup can also record an oral history at a caravan in Central Walk.
For the second year, the festival will be held over three nights – March 23 to 25 – with the Friday night featuring Sydney act Time Minders roving Central Park and the opening performance of the Community Choral Project with the music of Queen.
International offerings across the festival will include the hand-to-hand acrobatics of Finland’s Kate and Pasi, circus performers Quatuor Stomp from Quebec and a colourful installation by Emmy Award-winner Eric Rieger – aka Hot Tea – from the US.
Known for using kilometres of multicoloured strands of yarn to create rainbow-like installations in public spaces, Rieger’s installations evoke feelings of happiness and awe.
The annual twilight lantern parade will return on the Saturday evening with more participants than ever.
This year’s theme is ‘The Water Story’: a magical story of reflection and sustainability based on Lake Joondalup.
The City has also commissioned cultural leader Dennis Simmons to deliver a world premiere Aboriginal cultural experience each night as the sun sets, culminating in the festival finale on the Sunday evening with projections, dance, music and pyrotechnics.
“This year’s festival program is particularly exciting as it encourages festival-goers to learn more about Joondalup’s unique story, reflecting on where our City has come from and where we are headed next,” Mayor Albert Jacob said.
“We are proud of our City and equally proud of our festival and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to our City alike for what is recognised as the region’s largest and best cultural event.”
Joondalup Festival 2018 Friday, March 23: 5pm-9pm Saturday, March 24: 2pm-10pm Sunday, March 25: 2pm-8pm
MORE: Perth to host world first trials into coeliac disease vaccine
MORE: Osborne Park: police seek driver after Mitchell Freeway pursuit crash
MORE: Leda: man and woman charged over burglary of 86-year-old man’s home
MORE: WA Police officer stood down following CCC investigation into Fremantle tasering incident