ORGANISERS of Fringe Mount Gambier have described the fledgling event as a stellar success and foreshadowed continuing to grow the vibrant arts festival.
While the Fringe has now wrapped up after a jam-packed and dynamic event schedule, it is estimated over 16,000 people flocked to the free public events and myriad of ticketed shows.
Only in its third year, the Fringe is now being touted as a major new arts-focused yearly event for the Blue Lake city and plans are under way for Fringe 2020.
Fringe Mount Gambier ambassador and talented artist Louise Adams described the festival as an “amazing success”.
While thousands of people attended the free opening weekend events, she said the ticketed shows that followed were either sold out or close to capacity.
Ms Adams described the support flowing from the community, sponsors and funding bodies as pivotal to the festival’s success.
“Fringe Mount Gambier was a resounding success,” the regional artist said.
“We are now looking at ways to grow it the right way and we look forward to holding another successful Fringe next year.”
She said organisers would canvass what worked and what did not work in a bid to improve, develop and grow the Fringe format.
In particular, Ms Adams praised the community for throwing their support behind the visiting artists during the Fringe.
“The community welcomed them with open arms,” Ms Adams said.
She said this support was crucial given it opened new audiences in regional Australia for touring artists.
“It is exciting for them to perform before new audiences,” the X Factor star said.
“It is great to see talented South East artists working seamlessly with visiting acts, giving them experience to show true talent.”
Importantly, she said the Fringe promoted Mount Gambier as a destination.
In particular, Ms Adams said she was particularly proud the event was diverse and inclusive.
“I think this is incredibly important for a regional area,” she said.
“I know there are many festivals out there but some can be reluctant themes and Fringe Mount Gambier brings everything under one roof.”
Ms Adams said she was beaming with pride given the thousands of people who attended the Fringe’s opening weekend.
“You can really see the pride emerging from our region with the large crowd flocking to the main street at our Lift-off Street party and venues at capacity,” Ms Adams said.
“We are making it our own and bring a wider variety of art to our region. We even had one of the laundromats in town wanting to be a venue next year.
“We are still a small festival and we have a long way to go, but it is a step in the right direction.
“People are now realising they do not have to move to the city for a career in the arts.”
