Something for all at festival

The Red Earth Arts Festival returns to the City of Karratha for 2017 with a stellar line up of events.

Kicking off at the Karratha Quarter on Friday, September 15, with the REAF launch street party, the festival runs over 10 days and features something for people of all ages, including a comedy show, pop-up roller rink and cabaret dinner.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said the free, all-ages street party will be the perfect way to see in the festival for 2017.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the community out in full force, enjoying the exciting events program,” he said.

“The annual REAF launch street party is one of the City’s biggest, most anticipated annual events and with pop sensations Justice Crew headlining the party alongside local youth, we expect to see a record turnout to kick off Red Earth Arts Festival for 2017.”

Punters will be able to enjoy roving performers, market stalls, delicious food, amusement rides and live entertainment from Justice Crew and local dancers.

Comedians Tahir, Fiona O’Laughlin, Chris Franklin and Grant Buse will travel to Karratha for a night of laughs at Hampton Oval in Dampier on Saturday, September 16.

Perth Symphony Orchestra and beatboxer Tom Thum’s collaborative performance should not be missed on Sunday, September 17, for the Sunset Sessions.

The event welcomes people and families of all ages to pack a picnic and head down to Dampier’s Hampton Oval for a unique musical experience.

The Paris Underground Cabaret is coming all the way from Melbourne to join the REAF line-up on September 21 and 22.

Guests will be treated to a night of singing, dancing, burlesque, circus acts and magic performances and a three-course dinner by Empire 6714 in the beautiful surrounds of the historic town of Cossack.

Book a babysitter for Saturday night, September 23, and come along to the adults-only After Dark event.

Weird, wonderful and ultra-sexy, After Dark will feature a string of performances from The Showhouse Perth, Frankly Winehouse, and comedian Bev Killick.

Dance Fusion on Saturday, September 23, is set to be the biggest dance concert of the year.

Bring a picnic and blanket to the Karratha Quarter green and watch a series of sensational performances from local dance schools.

Throughout the festival there will also be the Urban Roller Club and The Cloud art installation.

The pop-up roller rink will be erected at the Dampier Community Hall from September 16 to 19 and at the Wickham Community Hall from September 21 to 23.

The Cloud is an interactive light installation made up of thousands of light bulbs and will be available for viewing at the Karratha Quarter every evening during the festival.

The eighth annual REAF will come to a close on Sunday, September 24, at the Karratha Quarter. REAF Recovery is a free, all-ages event that will feature live entertainment, interactive games, delicious food and a pop-up bar.

Mr Long said this year’s REAF has something for all ages and interests.

“REAF is about bringing a diverse range of high-end arts entertainment to the City of Karratha with options for families, children and adults,” he said.

“Once again we’re delivering that and I am very much looking forward to seeing the community embrace the eight major events that make up this year’s eighth REAF program.”

Visit reaf.com.au.