Joyeux Nöel by WAAPA third year design student Maeli Cherel.
Camera IconJoyeux Nöel by WAAPA third year design student Maeli Cherel. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Joondalup to light up with Kaleidoscope Festival in 2018

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

WA’s largest light and illumination festival, Kaleidoscope, is returning to Joondalup for its biggest and brightest year yet.

Now in its third year, the multi-sensory festival will combine illumination, artistic installations, projections, live performance and food over four evenings from Thursday, November 1, to Sunday, November 4.

This year’s festival footprint will extend over the city centre and Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre and feature more than 60 food trucks.

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1000 Cranes by Sydney’s Ambient & Co.
Camera Icon1000 Cranes by Sydney’s Ambient & Co. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Also returning this year is internationally renowned creative director Drew Anthony, who has secured a range of local, interstate and international artists to entertain and inspire all ages across the free family-friendly event.

Some of the major attractions include 1000 Cranes by Sydney’s Ambient & Co, inspired by an ancient Japanese legend that if a group of 1000 origami cranes are hung in a home they will act as a powerful and benevolent charm and bring good luck.

It will be placed inside Lakeside Joondalup.

Intrude by Tasmanian artist Amanda Parer.
Camera IconIntrude by Tasmanian artist Amanda Parer. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Intrude by Tasmanian artist Amanda Parer will create a wonderland of giant glowing white rabbits but will also reveal a slightly darker tale.

The contemporary art installation was first created for the Vivid festival and has been seen on four continents and in almost 100 different settings.

Perth students will also feature, with WAAPA third year design student Maeli Cherel presenting Joyeux Noel – a walk-through tunnel full of texture, colour and light – and North Metro Tafe animation students with the Lost and Found virtual animation transforming the western faade of Lotteries House into an alternate world where hero kids find themselves home alone dealing with a runaway space pet and an alien who has arrived to retrieve it.

Neon Dog Park by Melbourne visual artist Carla O’Brien.
Camera IconNeon Dog Park by Melbourne visual artist Carla O’Brien. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

There will also be Dance Like No One Is Watching, performed by Matt Papa (Tap Dogs), Hilton Denis (Limbo), Benson Jack Anthony (800 Words) and Perth’s Jarrent Walton, featuring one male tap dancer, four glass walls and cool lighting, and Neon Dog Park by Melbourne visual artist Carla O’Brien.

Pre-show entertainment will include Paint Storm from Geraldton artist Phil Doncon and The Rumble Bumble battery-powered vehicle with light show and party beats from WA DJ Peter Sharp from The Liberators International.

Paint Storm features high speed live painting and breakdance to create a show that brings the audience into the creative process as images are slammed onto a 11m wall.

Between performances, audience members are invited to take part in team paint battles, racing each other and the clock.

Anthony said this year’s program had been curated based on the statement: “There is beauty all around us. Everywhere. Notice it. Reflect on the past with gratitude. Squeeze every drop from the present. Hope and dream for wondrous future. Everything is extraordinary when you are seeing with loving eyes”.

“From November 1 to 4 our illuminated urban space in Joondalup springs to life, becoming a must-see destination for creativity, inspiration and shared experience thanks to works that are surprising, impressive and entertaining all at once,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to lock these dates in their diarie; it will be a festival experience to be enjoyed by the whole family.”

Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said Kaleidoscope had seen more than 140,000 people over the past two years visit the city centre “from around the metropolitan area and beyond”.

“Kaleidoscope is an important part of the City’s annual arts calendar and plays a role in driving positive economic outcomes for the local business economy, creating vibrancy in the city centre and providing outstanding entertainment for residents and visitors alike,” he said.

Dance Like No One Is Watching.
Camera IconDance Like No One Is Watching. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“I look forward to seeing the variety of fun attractions Kaleidoscope 2018 will deliver for the wider community as one of the biggest free, family-friendly events in WA.”

Pre-show entertainment and food starts at 5pm, with lights on from 7.30pm.