Arts and Culture

With today’s program launch, Adelaide Fringe will retain its mantle of Australia’s largest arts festival with the announcement of an astonishing 1,223 events.

In 2018, Radio Adelaide will again present unrivalled coverage of the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival of Arts, and all the colour and culture of Mad March in Adelaide.

Around 6,000 artists will present a broad range of works across genres including 338 comedy shows, 260 music events, 132 theatre productions, 128 cabaret shows, 98 children’s events, 73 visual arts and design exhibitions, 64 special events, 36 circus/physical theatre events, 33 dance shows, 26 interactive events, 22 magic shows and 13 film and digital events – all lighting up South Australia for another electrifying year.

Of the 442 venues hosting festival attractions, the National Wine Centre, Plant 4 Bowden and Percy Court Studio are among the 144 newcomers set to discover the magic of hosting Fringe events.

A variety of Fringe ‘hubs’ will span across suburban and regional Adelaide – from Gawler to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Mount Gambier to Whyalla, while Kangaroo Island has also jumped on board for the first time.

Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall says the 2018 Fringe will be more inclusive than ever before with the festival expecting a surge in children’s events and an abundance of gender-bending drag performers.

‘It’s always so exciting to see the amazing level of diversity in the Adelaide Fringe program – there’s practically no stone left unturned and no topic that isn’t being explored in some way,’ Ms Croall said.

‘Next year’s Fringe boasts a smorgasbord of unique experiences in unexpected places – from sipping tea with grandma in a caravan to a séance in a shipping container and speed dating on a ferris wheel!

‘The festival is also full of shows that address issues such as mental health, disability and gender politics, and tell inspiring stories from artists who bravely put themselves in front of our festival audiences.

‘It’s more important than ever to get out there and show your support for our Fringe artists, and we really encourage people to immerse themselves in all the 2018 Adelaide Fringe has to offer.’