The City of Perth has enhanced its reputation as the largest host of events in Western Australia after funding for two new events was approved at last night’s Council meeting.
Pride WA will have a new home with the Supreme Court Gardens turning into Pride Gardens for the 10-day PrideFEST in November.
The annual PrideFEST is Western Australia’s largest and longest running LGBTQIA+ festival and the sponsorship by the City of Perth will be for three years.
Pride WA will adopt a new structure for PrideFEST with a program of major events, including the relocation of Fairday into the City on Sunday November 17. PrideFEST will include an opening concert (November 15), Fairday, the traditional flagship Pride Parade party in Northbridge on Saturday November 23 and culminating with the closing concert at Pride Gardens the following night.
PrideWA estimates a direct economic impact of $8.5 million for the 2024 festival.
Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said PrideFEST was an important annual event with strong community participation and sentiment.
“The proposal by Pride WA to concentrate PrideFEST into a 10-day festival is a bold vision and will create greater impact and vibrancy, including the event hub at Supreme Court Gardens,” Mr Zempilas said.
“Relocating Fairday into the City of Perth and securing this free community event will further position the city as the heart of PrideFEST and a safe, welcoming destination for everyone.”
Council also agreed to fund another family-friendly event in Northbridge which is currently proposed for late May to October 2025 – Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience.
The event – which has been held in cities around the world – will feature more than 80 life-sized, moving animatronic dinosaurs and virtual reality components in a dinosaur-themed pop-up venue
Visitors will make their way through the exhibit, themed as the dense jungles of the Jurassic era, with well-known dinosaur species such as the T-Rex, Stegosaurus and Velociraptor represented. The experience will provide a learning opportunity with information panels showcasing each species.
The Lord Mayor said Dinos Alive was a major exhibition that had toured internationally renowned cities worldwide and the exhibition would appeal to families and increase visitation to the city, especially during school holidays and weekends.
Also approved last night, was over $1.3M in sponsorship to some of the City’s favourite events returning in 2025. Recipients included Strange Festival, Telethon Family Festival, Perth Chinese New Year, Chevron City to Surf and ANZAC Day.
