A whimsical and wondrous celebration of the arts will descend upon The Historic Village – just off Cameron Rd – on 17th Ave, unfolding its enchantments from 10-5pm this Saturday, March 9.
The Incubator Creative Hub’s Simone Anderson says festival-goers should prepare for a kaleidoscope of sensations from Spanish puppetry theatre to live melodies, street performances, art exhibitions featuring the fiery Kiln God at the Pothouse gallery, poetic reveries, bustling markets, delectable feasts, and, of course, the esteemed presence of donkeys – a special request for this year’s revelry!
“The Tauranga Fringe 2024 is an event that is very dear to our hearts. It’s a realm where mindbending artistic experiences are bestowed upon the community. It’s a whirlwind affair where artistic visionaries showcase their talents, captivating the audience and igniting artistic energies.
“[So] Embrace your inner performer, adorn yourself flamboyantly, unleash your creativity, and join in this grand artistic carnival!”
Fresh creative wave
Following the resounding success of the 2022 Fringe, which drew more than 5000 enthusiasts, Fringe Ringmaster extraordinaire Marama Mateparae says this year’s festivity promises a fresh wave of creativity and visceral stimulation.
“Our vision for 2024? A day brimming with the eccentric, the exquisite, and the avant-garde. For a mere tenner, immerse yourself in a day of endless merriment with performances, music, markets, and a special treat – children under 14 enter for free!”
A cornerstone of the event remains the iconic Tauranga Fringe Fashion runway. “We have surprises in-store this year, featuring a diverse array from Haute Couture luminaries like international designer Kharl Wirepa to cultural couture and everything in between. All shall be revealed on the day.”
In a crescendo of artistic fervour, this year’s Fringe hosts music, poetry, and even a solitary one man play across eight stages stretching from the Front Gate to the Chapel.
New additions
New additions to Fringe 24 include a family disco, The ‘Cringe of the Fringe’ Bad Poetry, a stand-up comedy showcase, and musicians from across the Motu.
The collaboration with new event partners such as The Historic Village Tauranga, Beats of Plenty, Rozella Presents, Little Big Markets, Engaging Solutions, Euphoria Live Entertainment, and Creative New Zealand coming on-board as the principal sponsor, heralds a momentous expansion for this multifaceted gathering, enriching the city’s cultural tapestry, says Marama.
The Historic Village facilitator Michelle Smith says her team is thrilled to support this vibrant and inclusive event – witnessing its evolution towards a day of boundless joy filled with engaging experiences has been truly exhilarating and we love being part of this event team!”
Catwalk show
The buzz surrounding Fringe is palpable, with fashion coordinator Queen Ora Pihema saying: “The day will be teeming with excitement”. “I’m thrilled with the submissions for this year’s catwalk show. “We are all eagerly anticipating a magnificent day for Tauranga.”
New event partner Brutus Powers, of Beats of Plenty, says he can’t wait for this biennial celebration of creatives flying their Fringe Flags high! “It is an amazing melting pot of arts, performance and culture. Tauranga is truly in for something very special this year!”
The Tauranga Fringe Festival 2024 is at The Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga City on Saturday, March 9, from 10am-5pm. Entry is $10 per adult, and under-14s gain free entry.
For more information, see: https://www.theincubator.co.nz/tauranga-fringe
Or visit: http://www.facebook.com/taurangafringe