Glenelg Winter Arts Festival: Adelaide comes alive with exciting new winter event at the Bay

Gluttony, in partnership with the City of Holdfast Bay, has announced the launch of the inaugural Glenelg Winter Arts Festival in the July School Holidays.

As the temperature drops and winter sets in, Glenelg’s Colley Reserve is preparing for a vibrant transformation into a bustling arts hub. This exciting event aims to bring Adelaide out of hibernation with an electrifying lineup of performers, musicians, and comedians.

Scheduled to take place over the July school holidays, the festival promises two weeks of action-packed programs that are expected to attract thousands of patrons to the Bay. Following the success of Gluttony’s highly acclaimed Fringe season, Program Director Elena Kirschbaum is thrilled to captivate audiences throughout the winter months.

The Glenelg Winter Arts Festival offers a unique and enjoyable opportunity for Adelaide residents and visitors to engage with the arts during winter, set against the backdrop of one of Adelaide’s iconic coastal locations.

“The festival will bring one of the Bay’s premier reserves to life with ticketed shows, fun workshops, and cozy spaces. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a date night, or looking for creative activities to enjoy with the kids during the school holidays, the festival is the go-to destination,” said Elena.

Winter Wonderland Glenelg

Families will be delighted to find a packed program of daily workshops, kid-friendly shows, and entertaining pastimes, making the festival an ideal winter break destination. As night falls, Australia’s top comedians, including Will Anderson, Rove McManus, Peter Helliar, Nazeem Hussain, and Mel Buttle, will take the stage to entertain the masses.

Returning Fringe favorites, such as Rachel Vidoni, who received the title of Best Music Show at the Adelaide Fringe in March, will present the new production “Her Majesty: The Queen Rock Show.” Chloe Castledine, creator of hit Adelaide Fringe shows “80s Ladies” and “Wonderfull,” will showcase her highly anticipated production, “Noughtie Girl.”

For adult audiences, captivating performances will be presented after dark. The fire circus spectacle, “Inferno,” and “Red District,” a creation by pole dancing champion Carlie Hunter, will add a spicy touch to the cold nights. Additionally, a brand-new sexy circus show called “Peek” and an adults-only magic show will be featured.

To accommodate the festivities, two big top tents will be set up at Colley Reserve, both equipped with heating. Stretch tents will also be available as undercover gathering spaces, accompanied by bustling market stalls during the weekends. The festival grounds will feature festoon lighting, fireside gathering spots, live acoustic music, outdoor heaters, and cozy throw blankets.

So wrap up warm, hop on the tram from the city, and take a leisurely stroll from Jetty Road to Colley Reserve to experience an event unlike anything we’ve seen before in Holdfast Bay.

Glenelg Winter Arts Festival will run from Thursday the 6 July to Sunday 23 of July 2023.


For program information and ticket bookings: 

glenelgwinterfestival.com

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