City of Bayswater partners with Perth Festival to bring free events to Riverside Gardens

The City is proud to be a Premier Partner of the 2025 Perth Festival, featuring Orchestra-oke and Karla Bidi at Riverside Gardens.

City of Bayswater partners with Perth Festival to bring free events to Riverside Gardens
Jan 14 2025

The City of Bayswater is partnering with Perth Festival to bring two unmissable free experiences, Orchestra-oke and Karla Bidi, to Riverside Gardens in February.

Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the City was proud to be a Premier Partner of the 2025 Perth Festival and welcome festival-goers to Bayswater.

“We’re delighted to share our stunning river foreshore with the wider community with these unique events,” she said.

“Orchestra-oke promises a pop concert like no other, as singers perform beloved pop hits karaoke-style, accompanied by Perth Symphony Orchestra.

“Karla Bidi will see Riverside Gardens shine after dark with a blend of light sculpture and soundscape. The installation draws upon the Noongar tradition of lighting a guiding trail of fire to welcome visitors.

“We’re proud to be joining forces with Perth Festival to take part in this accessible and immersive world premier event honouring local Aboriginal culture.”

Perth Festival Artistic Director Anna Reece expressed her excitement about bringing world-class entertainment to the Bayswater community.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Perth Festival events to this vibrant community,” she said.

“This is a unique opportunity for locals to experience a diverse range of incredible art forms right here in their own backyard and for our broader community to check out the beauty of Bayswater.

“Riverside Gardens is such a magical setting – a place where we can immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).

“With Karla Bidi, we gently celebrate the richness of Noongar culture, illuminate the river and invite a moment of quiet reflection and appreciation for this spectacular country.

“Orchestra-oke is an event for everyone – whether you’re a wannabe star, a seasoned performer or just love to sing along with friends. It’s all about fun, connection and celebrating the joy of music as a community.

“Both events invite us all to come together to create unforgettable memories in a wonderful pocket of this place we love to live.”

Orchestra-oke will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday 22 February. Attendees are invited to settle in with a picnic or purchase dinner from a range of onsite food vendors before the show. Gates open 6pm. Orchestra-oke is presented by Perth Festival with Perth Symphony Orchestra, supported by the City of Bayswater.

Karla Bidi will run each night of the festival from after dark until late. Installations can be found at various locations along the Swan River and can be viewed from afar or at the water’s edge. Karla Bidi is presented by Perth Festival and supported by Lotterywest and the Cities of Bayswater, Swan and South Perth.

Perth Festival runs from 7 February to 2 March. Further information on Orchestra-oke and Karla Bidi can be found at perthfestival.com.au.

Pictured (L–R): Perth Symphony Orchestra Creative Director Fiona Campbell OAM with City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti and Perth Festival Artistic Director Anna Reece.

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