Katy Steele from Little Birdy., Voyager member Alex Canion, Minister Simone McGurk and Voyager member Daniel Estrin, BMX riders Todd Meyn and Jake Greaves, and Street Food Labs Vic Tang, Chips on a Sticks Sunny Bhudia, and KBs Creamy Creations Kerryn Brashaw.
When you can’t celebrate on the original day, why not double-down for the WA Day Festival? This year, the annual celebration of Western Australia will unfold over two vibrant days this weekend at Burswood Park, featuring a plethora of free daytime entertainment and electrifying music concerts each night.
The festival, a beloved staple in the state’s cultural calendar, promises a WA-themed drone show on Saturday night, anticipated to be a highlight of the weekend. Fireworks will light up the sky both evenings, capping off the free activities in spectacular fashion.
Star-Studded Line-Up and Performances
Local hip-hop sensation Drapht will headline Saturday’s onstage performances, joined by a diverse array of artists including Orchxtra with acclaimed stage star Lucy Durack, Eurovision contestants Voyager, and other talents such as Ullah, Boox Kid, Smol Fish, and South Summit.
Sunday will see indie rock icons Little Birdy and Jebediah take center stage. Little Birdy, fronted by Perth’s own Katy Steele, recently completed a reunion tour celebrating the 21st anniversary of their debut album, BigBigLove. Steele expressed excitement about performing at the festival, hoping to reach both loyal fans and a new, younger audience.
“We feel really happy to be involved,” Steele said. “I’m hoping to reach a new audience with it being a free event, so people can bring their kids and hopefully make some new memories.”
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Organizers have curated a family zone and community hub packed with activities for all ages. Brayden Davies, co-founder of Hardwired Entertainment, highlighted an adrenaline-pumping BMX show featuring professional riders executing backflips and 360s off a ramp onto an inflatable airbag lander.
The festival’s attractions also include carnival rides, a mascot race, skydivers, and performances by local companies such as Yirra Yaakin Theatre and Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. An innovation and education alley will offer interactive experiences ranging from science experiments to gold rush adventures.
Culinary Delights and Community Support
Coles will host a traditional sausage sizzle, aiming to raise $30,000 for Telethon over the weekend. With sausages priced at $3.50 or $5 with a drink, the event offers an affordable meal option while supporting a worthy cause. “This is one of the bigger events that we do, so WA Day is a really important event for us,” a Coles representative stated.
Additionally, food trucks and stalls will serve a variety of cuisines, and a licensed bar will be available for those seeking refreshments.
Community and Corporate Support
The WA Day Festival is made possible through the generous support of BHP, the WA Government, and Lotterywest. Organizers encourage attendees to utilize public transport to Burswood Park, ensuring a smooth and environmentally friendly travel experience.
As the festival draws near, excitement builds for a weekend that promises to celebrate the vibrant culture, community spirit, and artistic talent of Western Australia. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the WA Day Festival offers something for everyone, making it a must-attend event on the state’s social calendar.
