Top five things to see and do at Festival 2018 Week Two
Wow, what a week! Festival 2018 has well and truly delivered the goods, from culinary celebrations to colourful cultural displays and contortionism – we’ve seen it all! If you’re yet to venture in to check out all of the action, there’s plenty still to come across all areas of the Gold Coast. Hold onto your hats folks because week two is set to be jam-packed with fun things to see and do, here is our pick of top five must-see events from April 9 to 14.
People of the Gold Coast, you are cordially invited to kick off your heels, loafers or bedazzled thongs (of the footwear variety, just to be clear) and settle in for a fabulous evening of fancy frocks, ditties, dance and utter delight. Members of the LGBTQI community alongside Marcia Hines, Matthew Mitcham and Becky Cole, athletes and speakers will deliver all of the happy feels as they share heart-warming stories of love, joy, acceptance, celebration and heartbeat that unites us all. The all-inclusive event will be hosted by international drag sensation Courtney Act (who you may remember from Australian Idol) and will be the biggest celebration of pride this side of the rainbow. Can you feel the love?
Image credit: Dan Tucker
BLOCK, Roundabout Stage Broadbeach, April 12–15
What happens when the worlds of dance and circus collide? Great, amazing and downright astonishing things if BLOCK is anything to go by! BLOCK is a powerful fusion of the two genres that pushes the limits of both artforms to make you simultaneously gasp in disbelief and unable to look away. With its daring physicality, split-second timing and thrilling feats, BLOCK is all about life in the city, its contradictions and challenges. Created by two of the United Kingdom’s leading dance and circus companies, BLOCK is coming to Australia for the very first time for Festival 2018.
Electric Lady, Main Stage Surfers Paradise, April 10
The gender imbalance on mainstream music festival line-ups has been a fairly hot topic of late however Electric Lady is out to settle the musical score, so to speak. Some of Australia’s most powerful female-fronted acts will descend on the Main Stage to deliver a kick-ass showcase that celebrates women in music but also across industries including science and sport. Headlining the epic event is the unbelievably talented singer songwriter Meg Mac who is known for her dreamy-yet-powerful pipes and hits including ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves’, ‘Maybe It’s My First Time’ and ‘Don’t Need Permission’. Also taking the stage is hotly-tipped artists Nina Las Vegas, Wafia, Jack River and Kardajala Kirridarra. Who run the world?
The Sprit of Churaki, Main Stage Surfers Paradise, April 12
Based on the harrowing story of Churaki, an Aboriginal man heralded as the Gold Coast’s first lifesaver, this epic music production rides the perfect wave between traditional ceremony, the ancient sounds of Aboriginal language and compelling music theatre. The Spirit of Churaki honours a rich lineage of saltwater people, a spirit of generosity, a deep connection to country and cultural obligation and features an extraordinary line-up of legendary Australian musicians under the musical direction of Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes). United by the spirit of the surf, this is definitely a must-see event!
FLOCK, Surfers Paradise Beach, April 12–15
Set against the spectacular backdrop of Surfers Paradise beach, FLOCK brings together 60 performers in a playful and stunning new work by one of Australia’s leading dance theatre companies, Force Majeure. The result is a mesmerising, meditative spectacle that explores our search for meaning in the natural world around us. Whether you’re an avid theatre-goer or you just appreciate something a little different from the norm, FLOCK is definitely worth a look.
This is just a glimpse of the amazing events happening across the Gold Coast this week, for a more comprehensive list pop over to our Event Guide for all of the deets!
To find out more about what’s on in the Gold Coast, head to our Event Guide.
