The Cook Government has announced a new homegrown event that will further bolster the State’s events calendar and support jobs and the local economy.
The event known as ‘EverNow’ has been developed by Perth Festival and will be held across a number of iconic locations to celebrate Western Australia’s Indigenous culture and heritage.
‘EverNow’ will run from 4-9 October 2023, and will welcome mass audiences to a series of unique free events at the Supreme Court Gardens, Perth’s Government House Gardens and Kings Park.
The multi-sensory festival draws inspiration from WA’s rich biodiversity, creativity and our First Nation’s people enduring connection to the land.
Kings Park will be home to the bold reimagining of Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak which attracted 300,000 people when it opened Perth Festival in 2017 and 2019.
Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak will transform Kings Park with a display of light, sound and projections – telling the stories of Noongar culture and the beauty and biodiversity of Australia’s South West.
The Supreme Court Gardens will play host to Song Circle, a live performance and celebration of Noongar song and dance set in a future-focused immersive wonderland.
The doors to Government House Gardens will also be opened to the public as it is transformed into Fire Gardens, a dreamscape of leaping flames, shadow and wonder. The event will be free to attend but will require a ticket to gain entry.
The three events will be open at different times across the six-day festival including:
- Song Circle: Supreme Court Gardens | October 4-8, 2023
- Fire Gardens: Government House Gardens | October 5-8, 2023
- Boorna Waanginy, The Trees Speak: Kings Park | October 6-9, 2023
EverNow will run for an initial two years, with the intention for the event to become an annual staple on the State’s major events calendar.
Register for event information and find out more at evernow.com.au.
Commenting on the launch of EverNow, Premier Roger Cook said, “This brand new homegrown event will put Western Australia on the map, not only nationally, but internationally, as EverNow grows year on year.
“The festival program has been carefully crafted to engage the senses and celebrate our State’s rich Aboriginal culture and breathtaking nature while attracting visitors from far and wide.
“Events such as EverNow contribute significant jobs for local workers and boost the State’s economy while supporting a range of Western Australian businesses.”
Rita Saffioti, Tourism Minister, said, “We want to make sure there is a reason to visit Western Australia every month and every season and that means building a strong calendar of events that offer something for everyone.
“EverNow will add a new dimension to our major events calendar, showcasing the unique attributes of our State and celebrating our rich Indigenous culture and heritage.
“Having major events that are unique to WA helps create a key selling point for visitors to come to our State, explore beyond the city limits and experience all of our tourism attractions.”
David Templeman, Culture and the Arts Minister said, “This exciting new homegrown event will create an opportunity for arts and cultural works to be developed, that draw visitors to experience the transcendent beauty of WA.
“Grounded on Noongar Boodjar, this event is a fitting celebration of the wonders of Kambarang and presents intimate and lasting moments that reconnect visitors to the country.”
