Come over to the South Side with us

Frankston’s newest major event, South Side Festival, is set to take over the city next month.

Bringing with it a flourish of light, art, dance, music, laughter and even some naughty bits, South Side is a contemporary art and culture festival that’s never been seen before in Frankston. Nearly 230 artists are putting together more than 50 fantastical, memorable and whimsical performances for an experience that won’t be forgotten.

The program is jam-packed with not-to-be-missed experiences that will intrigue, excite and inspire all ages. Begin your journey with an immersive sound and light experience. Frankston Generator features more than 1000 lighting fixtures, interactive video screens and a wind tunnel, all backed by an epic soundtrack. In a world where darkness turns to light, this family-friendly presentation will leave everyone wanting more.

The world premiere of digital water projection Saturation, by Collide Public Arts, will have you mesmerised. See faces appear on a cascading wall of water that you can walk through in this real-world, augmented-reality experience set to the songs of the Voices of Frankston choir.

If acrobatics, colour, song and dance are more your thing, then the Scratch Arts team have got a series of real treats for you. A little more risqué, these adult-only shows promise to surprise and delight. From a look into the grip that social media has over us with Marie Antoinette in Eat My Cake, to the racy and hilarious spectacle Moist, to the immersive journey of connection through music, movement and breath in a sculpture garden, the Scratch Arts performances will have you contemplating, questioning and laughing along.

There will be live music inspired by Frankston’s diverse and vibrant historical and current music scene in local pubs and brewhouses. Watch in amazement as teetering towers of balanced bodies and extreme bending deliver the thrills in the acrobatic and burlesque show Circa’s Peepshow, and leap at the opportunity to dance like no one is watching with the Piano Bar’s resident musicians, vocalists and drag queens. Keep an eye out for The Bandwagon, a vintage ute turned kerbside jazz club, which has a tendency to pop up where it is least expected with some incredible musicians and experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Frankston City’s popular Little Beauty Market is included in the line-up, hosting a special Mother’s Day Market, and local restaurants, cafes and pubs will have drink and meal specials available throughout the festival.

Presented by Frankston City Council with support from EastLink and Mandylights, South Side Festival will transform our city’s arts precincts, local businesses and open spaces into places of delight and wonder from May 6-15. Head to www. southsidefestival.com.au for event details and to book tickets.

FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE T: 9784 1060 W: www.southsidefestival.com.au FB: SouthSideFestivalFrankston INSTA: southsidefestivalfrankston