In 1992 a group of Castlemaine creatives came together to plan for a new event showcasing the local arts community.
Designed to complement the Castlemaine State Festival, the Fringe Festival celebrates local, grassroots and community lead art and artists. Featuring a street parade, a samba band, and a program of interactive arts activities the very first Castlemaine Fringe Festival was held in October 1992.
Three decades on Castlemaine Fringe is thriving, remaining vibrant and connected to its community. As part of this year’s festival, Fringe will host a retrospective exhibition celebrating 30 years of community art on the Fringe.
Have you been involved with Fringe over the years as an artist, performer, participant or supporter? Castlemaine Fringe is looking for memorabilia, paraphernalia and collectables from 30 years of festival activities. Maybe you have some old posters, photos, banners or even t-shirts from past festivals? Dig deep in your cupboards, down the back of your filing cabinets, out in the shed and you never know what rich archival gems you will discover!
For those people who remember the very first Fringe Festival back in October 1992, make sure you catch Walking the Fish: The birth of the Castlemaine Fringe a documentary film made by local film maker Michael Harkin. It features original footage, snippets from ABC coverage of the event and interviews with key players who shaped the first ever festival.
Walking the Fish will be screened as part of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival’s (C-Doc) LOCALS night at the Theatre Royal during this year’s festival.
This year’s Fringe Festival program is packed with highlights including theatre, music, exhibitions, comedy and street performances galore. The Fringe Festival’s 2023 program is being launched with a community celebration at the Castlemaine Botanical Garden Tearooms next Sunday February 19 from 5pm to 8pm. Everyone is welcome to come along, pick up a copy of the program, meet some of the event producers, and find out what’s in store.
There will be live music and circus entertainment and a licenced bar. Bring a plate to share and join the Fringe crew to celebrate three decades of Fringe.
For more information visit the Fringe on Facebook or go to their website at www.castlemainefringe.org.au.
