Fringe festival a culinary and artistic spectacular

A colourful cocktail of cultural celebration featuring food, art and entertainment was enjoyed in Broome over the weekend with the birth of the Shinju Fringe Festival.

The inaugural three-day event, launched as a snippet of Broome’s iconic annual Shinju Matsuri Festival, came to life spectacularly, paying tribute to Broome’s multicultural history and local talent.

Festivities kicked off with a bang at the opening ceremony, held at Pearl Luggers, featuring flamboyant performances from the Wasamba Drummers and beloved Broome mascot Sammy the Dragon, while local personalities took to the stage for the Pecha Kucha event.

On Saturday, frivolities continued with Draw-bauchery at the Courthouse Markets, providing art lovers the opportunity to watch and then sketch cabaret-style performers.

Over the course of three days, about 20 artists opened their homes and studios to the public for an intimate peek of their work as part of the Artist Open House Trail.

Carnarvon Street in Chinatown was transformed into a culinary hotspot for the highly anticipated, sold-out Yum Cha event, hosted by WA Food Ambassador Don Hancey, West Australian and local chefs who served up delectable authentic Chinese cuisine for guests.

A highlight of the evening was the return of the Cheefah Lottery, a popular pastime during Broome’s pearling days, with Doug Fong taking on the role of Cheefah Master on the night.

Celebrations culminated in the closing ceremony at Matso’s on Sunday featuring live performers and artists.

Festival president Chris Maher said the event was a tremendous success, with a lively mix of locals and tourists enjoying all that the festival had to offer.

“We know it works, we know it can be successful, it’s on the calendar map now,” he said.

“We’re happy to say that Shinju Fringe has been born and we’ll be back next year bigger and better.”

Mr Maher said he hoped the Fringe Festival had whet the community’s appetite for the upcoming Shinju Matsuri Festival, which will include the Sunset Long Table Dinner and Floating Lantern festival.

The event will be held from September 10-18.

For more information visit www.shinjumatsuri.com.au.