Port Augusta will once again be the stunning backdrop for Desert Fringe, which celebrates its 10th anniversary year this March. The two-day event on March 3 and 4 features a program jam-packed with circus, comedy, dance and magic shows, visual art exhibitions and free family entertainment.

Among the big names making the pilgrimage to Port Augusta this year is Fringe Street Art Ambassador Jimmy C (James Cochran). Trailblazer and pioneer of the Australian street art movement, he has created iconic murals in cities all over the world including London and Paris. Jimmy C will create a piece of urban art along Port Augusta’s Eastside foreshore.

Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall expects thousands of people to attend the milestone event, celebrating arts, culture and community.  

“Regional audiences have always been hugely supportive of Adelaide Fringe but given their location and long travel times they can often miss out on the main event. Bringing a taste of the Fringe right to their doorstep is something we are committed to continuing and growing,” Ms Croall said.

The event will kick off on Friday night with multi-instrumentalist Adam Page – Chairman of the Beard, bringing his spontaneous symphonies and layered soundscapes to the Desert in a one-night-only show.

Then on Saturday the Fringe festivities continue with Our Corka Bubs, a special performance made for children under the age of two and their carers. Grounded in Australia’s First Nation’s culture, the show is captivating storytelling through movement and music. Adelaide Fringe is presenting this unique opportunity in conjunction with Country Arts SA.

From 6pm a community barbecue will draw everyone into the Desert Fringe Club at The Barracks for a night of exceptional music and entertainment hosted by the hilarious and delightful Eloise Green. Aussie artist Jamie MacDowell will be blending bass lines with jazz chords and hip hop, while Sharon Mahoney will have audiences in stitches with her blend of hilarious physical comedy. For those wanting more of a local flavour Port Augusta’s own Dusty Feet Mob and Desert Voices Choir will delight locals and visitors alike. The epic night will finish with 2016 SA Music Hall of Fame inductees No Fixed Address who will take to the stage with their signature reggae and rock and roll tunes.

Arts and Performance Workshops will run from 10am until 3pm on Saturday at the Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli.

“There is truly something for everyone at this year’s Desert Fringe and it would not be possible without the support of the Port Augusta City Council and broadcasting from Umeewarra Media,” Ms Croall said.

Last year Desert Fringe was acknowledged at Arts South Australia’s Ruby Awards, winning the award for Community or Regional Impact under $100,000.