(ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA; NOVEMBER 8, 2012) "” South Australia, known as the "The Festival State," announces a number of artistic, visual, theatrical, and multi-cultural events in its capital city of Adelaide.
Adelaide has been long-recognized as one of the world's best cities for festivals and art events. The size and unique landscape of the city"”a ring of parklands surrounding the historically preserved city center"”coupled with its year-round Mediterranean climate of warm days and starry nights make Adelaide the ideal destination for international visitors to enjoy an assortment of festivals during their visit to South Australia.
While travelers will discover the rich sights and sounds of Adelaide during the festival season, South Australia's capital city allows easy access to a number the state's iconic regions full of unique and diverse adventures. The famed Barossa Valley wine region"”home to numerous cellar doors, boutique winemakers and rich food culture"”is a 45-minute drive from the city center. Travelers can encounter an abundance of wildlife on Kangaroo Island, just a quick 20-minute flight or 55-minute ferry ride from the mainland.
The thriving diversity of ethnic cultures within Adelaide's population allow for a multitude of global inspirations that can be seen in internationally acclaimed theatre productions, operatic performances, an eclectic array of world-class musicians, breathtaking dance pieces, renowned writers and striking visual arts displays.
Three festivals have earned Adelaide international accolade and attract audiences from near and far: Adelaide Fringe Festival,Adelaide Festival, and WOMADelaide.
ADELAIDE FRINGE FESTIVAL
February 15 – March 17, 2013
The largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, the Adelaide Fringe Festival brings South Australia's capital city to life. City parks, streets, and warehouses are transformed into pop-up venues to stage more than 900 events over the course of the month. More traditional venues such as theaters, hotels, art galleries and cafes around the city also play host to exhibitions.
Taking place between February 15 and March 17 are several thousands of art events and performances"”spanning from cabaret and comedy, film and puppetry, to live music and film screenings. Artists worldwide are encouraged to participate, and the festival fosters an inspiring environment for them to showcase their talents.
In 2012, more than 4,000 artists participated in 6,500 performances at the Festival and attracted local and overseas visitors, with more than 1.5 million people in attendance over the course of 24 days. The array of performances has earned the arts festival recognition as one of the most diverse in the world.
Tickets for the 2013 Adelaide Fringe Festival will be available on December 8, 2012 and start at AUD$25. Visit www.adelaidefringe.com.au for more information.
ADELAIDE FESTIVAL
March 1-17, 2013
The Adelaide Festival has been celebrated for delivering innovative and inspiring performances as well as a diverse array of art forms gathered from across Australia and around the world. Musical, theatrical, and artistic displays will have an "adventurous" and contemporary appeal.
The Festival welcomes a new director, David Sefton"”whose credentials include directing the Performing Arts program at the University of California, Los Angeles"”and has planned a unique program for 2013. There are 53 events scheduled for the two-week festival, 29 of which are exclusive to Adelaide and 27 are Australian premieres.
The Adelaide Festival is also known for its high-profile events such as the acclaimed Adelaide Writers' Week, Adelaide International (AI), Artists' Week, and the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art.
The festival will run from March 1-17, 2013. Visit www.adelaidefestival.com.au for more information.
WOMADelaide
March 8-11, 2013
Adelaide's celebration of the World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) is held over four days at the 84-acre Botanic Park, and the festival features live music from various countries and cultures. It has become one of Australia's favorite gatherings because of its energetic and welcoming vibe.
The festival is more than a celebration of music, however. In addition to the concerts on seven different stages, there are workshops led by the best traditional and contemporary musicians, dancers, actors and visual artists in the world. WOMADelaide hosts over 100 stalls offering South Australian wine, delicious food and unique crafts. New to the festival this year are cooking demonstrations led by internationally acclaimed chefs.
The 2013 festival will run from March 8 "“ 11. A portion of the line-up has been announced and the full performance line-up will be released at the end of November.
Tickets for WOMADelaide are available for purchase individual days as well as 3- and 4-day installments on the festival's website and start at AUD$100. www.womadelaide.com.auÂ
