Is there a nation more famous for loving fun, frolics and frivolity? If there is, we’re yet to visit it. Indeed, the Land Down Under certainly knows how to get down; even their former PM Bob Hawke is most lovingly remembered for necking two and a half pints in just eleven seconds. With a national catchphrase of ‘no worries mate’ and a love for kicking back and getting loose famed the world over, it’s no wonder that Australia has some of the most enjoyable parties around.
If you’re thinking of heading to ‘the most isolated city in the world’, Perth, this year, then fear not, there’s still plenty going on. Here’s a handful of the best; our 5 IDEAL festivals and events in Perth, Australia, in 2020.
THE PERTH FESTIVAL
The Perth Festival grew from the annual entertainment nights held by Western Australia University into something much, much bigger. It’s now in its sixth decade and brings together a hugely diverse mix of performers, from the worlds of music, circus, opera, drama, literature and more for a huge celebration of the arts.
The festival takes place during February and March every year and attracts an audience as eclectic as their lineup. Special events during the extravaganza include the Lotterywest Film Festival, which gives several awards for the best movies out there within their field. This year, as always, indigenous artists are given a platform. Annually, over 700,000 visitors attend to enjoy the performances and broaden their minds a little in the process.
THE HYDE PARK FAIR
The Hyde Park Community Fair Festival features live entertainment, demonstrations, arts and crafts, sideshow rides, multicultural displays, and workshops to suit all tastes and preferences. It’s a family-friendly affair, with the event, which is held on March 1st and 2nd, offering entertainment including famous High Fashion shows, Kids Fun Zones, and over 200 booths with attractive artwork.
The Veteran Car Show is one of the main highlights each year, showcasing wacky vehicles such as Eagles/Dockers, which simply must be seen to be believed. The Foodie Delights Zone has got your stomach covered, with local delicacies like tomahawk steak and black kingfish getting the famous Aussie barbie treatment. Just remember to throw a couple of Fosters back and you’ve had yourself a day truly lived in the Australian spirit.
PERTH FRINGE FESTIVAL
Fringe World is a famous annual festival in Perth, which attracts big crowds to get immersed in a world of comedy, circus more. It actually starts today, but fear not, it runs for the next month, between 17 January and 16 February at over 150 locations in Perth and regional Western Australia.
If you enjoy cabaret, check out one of the shows such as ‘1 pint 2 many’, ‘A Disney Tribute: Once Upon a Teaser’, and ‘A Maze in Graze Lands’. You’ll also find plenty of children’s events here, too, such as the ‘3 Speed Crunch Box Rebooted’ show or the ‘Abracadabra and Other Useless Magic Words’ show. The Fringe World’s Cirque Africa dance performance is a particular highlight.
ASCOT RACING IN PERTH
Yep, this is a nation that loves a bit of horseplay. The Ascot Racing Carnival begins in October of each year and lasts until the new year; be there on the 31st December 2020 and you’re in for one hell of a celebration. The entertainment during those two months is as glamorous as the racing, with the Ultimate Champaign Oasis experience being the height of glitz.
If you’re up for more of the same, then a four hour flight from Perth will take you to Tasmina for Launceston Racecourse’s Summer Racing festival. One of the most popular events is the Launceston Cup, held yearly, which sees winners receive a total of $200,000 in prize money. The Launceston Cup is held on February 26th in 2020, so you’ve still got a month to get those flights sorted!
THE ATP CUP
The ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Cup is the newest major tennis tournament on the calendar, and certainly the most elite, in its own way (it’s only for the dudes). Tennis champions from over 24 nations come together in Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth to exchange serves, smashes, backhands and drop shots, as a warm up for the Australian Open, which kicks off just two days after the ATP Cup’s final.
The RAC Arena in Perth sees some of the action. Although this year’s inaugural event has already concluded (from the 2nd to the 12th January) and Novak Djokovic already crowned champion, next year’s event looks set to be an ever bigger spectacle. Book early to avoid disappointment!
