In the grand tradition of Fringe festivals all over the world, we’re bringing a selection of cutting edge, diverse, eclectic shows from all over Australia - to you!
Featuring everything from stand up, music, improv, comedic theatre, poetry and storytelling, Fringe celebrates art forms that are slightly left-of-centre and provides a place for audiences to experience the magic, the delights to be found in the different.
The Fringe HQ will pop up on the water at what is usually the Bunbury Powerboat Club, with the rooms to be transformed into a multi faceted performance space. Expect something new each night - perhaps you’ll find smoky underground club vibes, or perhaps a wonderland of colour! Surprise and wonder are always on the menu at Fringe...
Our lush Fringe Garden will be open throughout the Festival, luring in passers-by with swell sounds, the scent of cooking food, twinkling lights and (of course!) those spectacular waterfront views back towards the City. We say, come one, come all! We’ll even have a fully licensed bar in operation featuring local wines, beers and more (including craft cocktails created by the South West’s very best mixologists) - there’ll be no better place to start a summer evening out on the town, trust us!
But we can’t confine Fringe to dark rooms and star lit nights - she wants to be out basking in the February sun, too! You can start your Fringe-y day with laughter yoga (it’s the BEST), pop by HQ for a dose of wellness (more details to come!) or join in on SO MANY MORE day time activities that’ll be springing up around our pretty city.
The very best thing for you to do, we think, is to make sure you’re following along on our journey via social media - that way, as SOON as tickets, acts, events, and happenings happen, you’ll know all about it!
Get ready to ROCK THE FRINGE in 2020, Bunbury!
Fringe Festivals are not a new concept, but it takes guts and vision to get one off the ground in a regional Australian City. Joel McGuiness, director of JAM Creative, was that person. In collaboration with Kelsie Miller from Always Good Nights, Bunbury Fringe was launched in 2017, with 24 shows/events/workshops in 5 local venues. The response was overwhelming, and with artists such as Peter Rowsthorn, Damian Callinan, Ali Bodycoat and Libby Hammer the Festival was firmly anchored in the cultural program of Bunbury Geographe.
In 2018 Jo O’Dea joined the team, along with Dixon and Smith, Sarahjane Bilston and Renee Morrison. In this second year, the Fringe Garden evolved, adding another element to Bunbury Fringe, with a pop-up bar, food all night and DJ’s to see audiences through to midnight. With a free Street Party, comedy at the Rose Hotel, and a number of pop up venues, the programme was a match to any Fringe.
Year three for Bunbury Fringe saw the evolution to incorporation and the creation of a locally based, diversely experienced committee to help guide the event into the future. More locations, more events, and more people - both attendees and volunteers - saw 2019 exceed both expectations and projections. The team heads into 2020 with great excitement and even BIGGER plans to rock Bunbury and the Fringe this summer!
Thanks to originators Joel and Kelsie, the faith and commitment of sponsors like the City of Bunbury and many more local businesses, the hard work of the Fringe staff and committee, and the incredibly supportive patrons of Fringe, we are able to keep bringing colour and creativity to the Bunbury Geographe region!
