Lorne Festival of Performing Arts announces 2016 lineup

Now in its 6th year, the Festival of Performing Arts (FOPA) has announced the major acts for the three day festival, which will take place from the 2nd to the 4th of September, in the Surf Coast of Lorne, Victoria. Heading the line-up are Tom GleesonDenise Scott, and All Our Exes Live in Texas.

Started by the Lorne Community Arts & Culture Foundation in 2010, FOPA is part of an initiative first begun by the local community, who aimed improve the general well-being of the fairly isolated town through engaging and challenging art related experiences. FOPA was created to attract visitors to Lorne during the tourism off-season, sharing this artistic drive with the rest of Australia.

“As an artistic team we pride ourselves on our affinity with small communities,” says Artistic Director Edwina Lunn. “Our goal is to present a festival that unearths new talent and shines a light on artists from Victoria and across the country. […] This is a small festival with a big heart, committed to presenting artists who traverse the performing arts sphere.”

An original spiegeltent, a staple of many global festivals, will take up residence at FOPA this year, playing host to many of the musical stars that will be passing through this September. All Our Exes Live In Texas will be joined by Rowena Wise and Mojo Juju, while the Jazz Party will celebrate some of Melbourne’s finest jazz musicians.
The locals are not forgotten either, with the School Bands Showcase set to raise the roof with the best the next generation has to offer, while the Twilight Chorus will bring together community choirs from across the region, for a musical event unlike any other, under the guidance of All Our Exes Live In Texas.

The Drawing Room Series is set to be a FOPA highlight, inviting audiences into some of the area’s most beautiful and historically significant homes, for a series of intimate musical performances.

Comedy is also well represented this year, with comedy legend Denise Scott and current festival favourite Tom Gleeson leading the charge. Tessa Walters and her award winning WOMANz will also make an appearance, while local ‘junkyard theatre’ antics will be provided courtesy of The Suitcase Royale.

“[…] we are thrilled to present a festival that celebrates frivolity, laughter and musical splendour, showcasing artists at the top of their game. The talent on offer this year is bound to attract people from near and far and we can’t wait to see Lorne hopping with festival fever,” says Lunn.

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The Festival of Performing Arts will run from Friday September 2nd until Sunday September 4th, at various locations around Lorne, Victoria.
Gala events will be held on the Friday and Saturday nights.

There are both free and ticketed events over the course of the weekend, and a festival pass, which will cover entry to most events, is also available.

For more information on events, ticketing, or the local area, please see the FOPA website.

Featured image: Twilight Chorus, Festival of Performing Arts

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Jodie Sloan

Living, writing, and reading in Brisbane/Meanjin. Likes spooky books, strong cocktails, and pro-wrestling.