The Gold Coast has come alive with with an explosion of artistic talent and cultural fever as BLEACH* Festival 2023 surged into action on Thursday.
From the shoreline at North Burleigh to the valley in Currumbin and the tidal flow of the Nerang River, the 12th edition of BLEACH* Festival has transformed the city’s landscape into a captivating canvas of artistic expression.
It’s the largest program in BLEACH* history, and as the curtains rise on this unique cultural extravaganza, art enthusiasts and locals are in for a treat with an array of captivating events lined up to showcase the city’s best talent.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he is in awe at the incredible depth of artistic talent the city is showcasing.
“Great art piques our imaginations and often leaves us with more questions than answers,” Mayor Tom Tate said.
“Having seen a sneak peek of the 2023 BLEACH* line-up, I know visitors will be left amazed at the incredible depth of artistic talent we have in our city,” he said.
Keep reading for your guide to the must-see events this weekend for week one of the festival:
ENCOUNTER GOLD
Where: Love Your Local North Burleigh Hub, Edy Park, The Esplanade, North Burleigh
When: 3pm, Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 August
Encounter Gold is a wonderous fusion of nature and art, creating a visual feast of movement, dance, and poetry. Directed by renowned choreographer Emma Saunders, this soul-stirring performance showcases the brilliance of our nation’s top artists. This is a free event but registration is required.
ROLLER COASTER
Where: HOTA Outdoor Stage, HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
When: 7.30pm, Thursday 3rd – Saturday 5th August (Ticketed)
Roll into the captivating world of Roller Coaster, an emotional journey that seamlessly blends dance, theatre, and live music, all on skates. This action-packed performance weaves raw and vulnerable stories, thoughtfully delivered with grace and intensity.
ACOUSTIC LIFE OF SHEDS
Where: Various locations, Currumbin Valley
When: 11am & 1pm, Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th August
Prepare to be amazed as ordinary sheds transform into extraordinary stages! Acoustic Life of Sheds returns to BLEACH*, offering a bucket-list experience in the picturesque Currumbin Valley. Enjoy a magical music journey, soaking up the traveling concert from your car, and savoring a gourmet picnic with local produce.
LIGHT LINES
Where: Love Your Local North Burleigh Hub
When: Sessions from 4pm Friday 4th August (across the weekend) to Sunday 13th August
Enter a dazzling world of shimmering light sculpture, where senses ignite and imagination runs wild. With over 1000 delicately illuminated light lines, this immersive experience becomes a mesmerizing playscape. Let the kaleidoscope of light, space, and movement inspire you, leaving you in a state of awe and curiosity.
MONSTER TRUCKS
Where: City-wide
When: 3-13 Aug
Inspired by Stephen King’s Trucks, Nucon cement mixers morph into art as they roam the city. A thought-provoking mobile installation by Terrapin Puppet Theatre.
The festival’s opening ceremony, First Light, took place at 6 am on Thursday, welcoming early risers to witness the soul-stirring blend of song, poetry, and didgeridoo by Heartland led by William Barton and violinist Véronique Serret. The powerful performance, set against the backdrop of a majestic sunrise, set the tone for the 11-day spectacle.
With more than 300 artists, 218 performances, and over 38 events, BLEACH* Festival 2023 promises an eclectic mix of art and cultural experiences to satiate the growing appetite of South-East Queensland.
The festival is currently in full swing across five main hubs – North Burleigh, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, HOTA, Currumbin Valley, and the newly unveiled Broadbeach Cultural Precinct.
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For the full program of events, visit: bleachfestival.com.au
