Get your Fringe on this July!
Date published: 2 July 2019
It’s finally here – the Northern Fringe Festival officially launched at Neck of the Woods last weekend.
The Northern Fringe Festival will run alongside the inaugural North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA).
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the excitement for the launch of the first ever NAFA has really started to build.
“Holding an annual arts and culture festival was a commitment I made in the lead up to the last election and it is amazing to see the hard work of all our staff pay off with the official launch of the NAFA,” Cr Hill said.
“Council crews and local organisations have been working tirelessly to put together a festival that includes something for everyone and will attract visitors from across Australia.
“Townsville is the capital of arts, culture and events in North Queensland and it’s exciting to share the first ever NAFA with residents and visitors to the city.”
Neck of the Woods and the Townsville Choral Society’s Heathers the Musical opened the first week of the festival with the Wonderland Spiegeltent at Strand Park opening this week.
Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said there is a huge line-up of acts pegged for both the Northern Fringe Festival and NAFA.
“There are over 300 acts taking part in NAFA and the Fringe Festival – this includes acts organised by Council and others being held by the community,” Cr Doyle said.
“This includes our major events such as Strand Ephemera, the Festival of Stories, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and so many other events specifically curated for NAFA.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Townsville come alive during our beautiful winter season and going to some of the incredible events on offer.”
Division 3 Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said Strand Park and Queens Gardens will turn into an arts and culture hub during July.
“Strand Park is currently being turned into a major arts and culture centre in preparation for NAFA and the Fringe Festival with the Wonderland Spiegeltent and Strand Ephemera being major attractions,” Cr Greaney said.
“Queens Gardens will close for general access from 10 July to be transformed with the main stage and Empire Theatre and will reopen for the shows scheduled to be held there.
“These are some of our most iconic locations and are perfect for holding NAFA and the Northern Fringe Festival.”
For more information and to view the program, visit: www.nafa-tsv.com.au
