Thought Gold Coast was all beaches, theme parks and surf clubs? Think again. There's more to the city famous for fun.
This month, we're uncovering the GC's cultural side, shining a spotlight on the Gold Coast's premier arts and entertainment festival Bleach. The eighth annual Bleach festival runs from April 17-28, utilising the Gold Coast's world-famous natural landscape as unconventional venues. Bleach Festival aims to deliver incredible arts and cultural experiences that challenge expectations, change perceptions and provide a unique and authentic sense of place, inspiring both locals and visitors alike.
The 2019 program features events spanning large-scale opera, award winning dance, eye-popping cabaret, free live music, a thought- provoking political swimming carnival and a thrilling drive-in with a difference – and it doesn't stop there!
Over 12 glorious days, the Gold Coast's beaches, waterways and parklands become playgrounds for contemporary performance and installation. Bleach is set to impress as it presents its largest event to date in 2019 with 28 unique productions and 132 performance including four world premieres, and three Queensland premieres.
Headlining the program and performed under the stars at HOTA's outdoor stage is Verdi's Requiem, on April 27. The blockbuster music concert, directed by Opera Queensland Artistic Director Patrick Nolan features more than 150 musicians and singers.
Other festival highlights include Throttle a newly commissioned work by Gold Coast-based dance theatre company The Farm. Throttle is billed as a "drive-in live-action movie with a difference"; a B-grade thriller that plays out in front of an audience safely ensconced in their cars.
Also premiering in 2019 is Water Songs, a musical concert series that will travel through the Gold Coast's waterways. Travelling minstrels will perform from the waterfront into backyards and public parks along the Gold Coast's network of canals, creeks and channels.
From canal to coast, Townsville's Dancenorth presents Tectonic, a free 15-minute performance installation staged twice a night and inspired by the plight of Torres Strait communities whose island homes will be consumed by rising sea levels.
Performing in the Spiegeltent in Burleigh, Strut 'n' Fret will stage Limbo Unhinged from April 17 – May 12 with an intoxicating mix of cabaret, circus and acrobatics.
For lovers of live music, the oceanfront Bleach at Burleigh entertainment precinct will be your festival hub hosting free live music and entertainment across the 12 days including a concert headlined by ARIA-winning songstress Montaigne, a pub choir at the pop-up Burleigh Bleach Club (a bar on the beach – why yes thanks) and sets by Mama Kin Spender and Kira Puru.
This year's Bleach program is bold, exciting and diverse, offering something for everyone and a great excuse for a cultural vacay on the Gold Coast.
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Images: Bleach Festival
