THE 27th annual Fairbridge Festival will take on a whole new look this year with the Fairbridge Regional Arts Project launched in Pinjarra on Thursday.
Organiser Folkworld has been granted $34,000 by the Federal Building Better Regions Fund to expand the participation of regional artists in the festival.
Through the funding, the three-day festival can now target and invite artists, artisans and small business operators from the Peel region to become involved.
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READ NOWThe Regional Arts Project precinct in the festival grounds will feature demonstrations of textile art, wood carving, a floral swing from Mandurah Floral Art, en plein air artists, street, performers, dancers, musicians, some tiny shops and a $60,000 sculpture lent to the festival by local artist Tony Davis.
Other sculptures will be installed throughout the festival grounds.
Folkworld general manager Stu MacLeod said the festival was set to deliver another explosion of musical diversity.
From international superstars, local favourites and emerging artists to workshops in dance and song writing, arts and crafts and programs for toddlers, teens and adults, there was something for everyone.
“One of the world’s great fiddlers Jeremy Kittel will be there along with Scotland’s Manran, Ireland’s Jigjam and England’s Edglarks to round out the folk program,’’ he said.
“The support from local government in the Peel region, Alcoa, Peel Development Commission and Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation among others has allowed us to uncover a wealth of talent in the Peel that will be on display at the regional arts hub .’’
Fairbridge Festival has become one of Australia’s most loved and respected family festivals and is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 26, 27 28.