Red Earth Arts Festival: Southern River Band, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre coming to Karratha

The highly anticipated Red Earth Arts Festival is set to bring 10 days and nights of interactive and immersive fun to Karratha next month. From giant puppets to Perth hard rockers the Southern River Band rocking the Nickol Bay Speedway, there is something for everyone this year. This year’s festival will run from March 12-21 instead of the usual September dates and features an action-packed program, kicking off with the Spare Parts Puppet Festival and its show String Symphony featuring a 5m tall illuminated puppet. Meanwhile, botanical ink artist Tania Daymond will be the festival’s artist in residence to give locals a look at her unique art. There will also be a focus on the Ngarluma culture, with Ngarluma and Yinjibarndi storyteller Clinton Walker set to hold a series of sunrise walks at the Yaburrara trail with talks set to live music. Another program highlight includes an event called Chin Wagon, where locals will be able to tell their stories in a a custom-built mobile recording studio with comedian Andrea Gibbs. City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said the organisation was proud to see the continued growth in arts and cultural events in the town. “There is a great variety of musical performances, unique artistic experiences and immersive workshops on offer for the community this year, showcasing the best that Western Australia has to offer,” he said. “The Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s String Symphony, featuring a giant marionette puppet outdoors at the Red Earth Arts Precinct will be a stand-out on the opening weekend.”