Fringe Mount Gambier returns in 2022 and will launch with a free family-friendly event called Fringeland.

After the cancellation of the festival in 2020, and the return with a mini-festival in 2021, the Fringe team is working on a return to a free community event on the opening night of Fringe, and in order to adhere with COVID safety requirements have relocated the event to the Mount Gambier showgrounds.

Fringe Mount Gambier Community Engagement Manager Tammy Flier has worked through COVID management plans utilising the showgrounds site for the Mount Gambier Show in 2021.

“We worked very closely with SA Health during the leadup to the show and I’m confident the site offers many advantages for working with community events, including spacious outdoor areas and an easily controlled entry and exit point for check-ins,” she said.

“These are all safety requirements we need to consider when working with large-scale events during a pandemic.”

Fringe Mount Gambier Marketing Manager Talie Teakle said apart from a new venue, the Fringeland event will feature all of the fun and excitement you could expect from the Fringe Mount Gambier team, who are aiming to provide something for the entire family including a free feature performance by Australia’s best known and most loved children’s singer/songwriter, Peter Combe.

“ARIA award-winning Combe has sold over a million CDs and DVDs and his 2021 Adelaide Fringe eight concert season sold out,” Ms Teakle said.

“Kids love him and parents enjoy the nostalgic classics such as Newspaper Mama and Toffee Apple.

“Peter has toured pubs and clubs around Australia aimed at young adults who grew up listening to his tunes.

“In 2006 while working at Adelaide University I booked Peter to play at O’Ball at the students’ request.

“I thought it was an odd choice, but he was a highlight of the night in a lineup that included Little Birdy and Faker – and we’re certain he will appeal to all ages at Fringeland too.”

Artistic Programming Manager Louise Adams plans to deliver a range of visual and performing arts for the free community event including the return of the Flying Flamingos aerial acrobatics, live music, Fringe rovers, a Lewis Major dance performance and more.

“Wander through different performance spaces, enjoy food and bar services and pick up some local arts and wares from the popular Fringe Twilight markets,” Ms Adams said.

Fringeland will launch the festival season on Friday, March 25 from 4.30pm until 11pm.

Visit www.fringemountgambier.com.au for more information or to apply to have a stall.