Advertisement

Freo festival plans go overboard

Florent Lalet, Jean Phillippe Carde and Stephane Gratteau make a splash into Fishing Boat Harbour. Picture: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian

A band belting out tunes while submerged is among the quirky new acts at the 2014 Fremantle Street Arts Festival.

The festival, which runs from today until Monday, promises a host of new attractions as well as traditional events.

"We have tried to expand the breadth of what we had," City of Fremantle festival co-ordinator Alex Marshall said.

"We are expanding the festival to things people don't expect but also keeping the old favourites."

Fremantle's focus on its busking culture would remain but would include more poignant and delicate acts.

Mr Marshall said international performers would be prominent, with 11 overseas acts making their Australian debuts.

France's Acquacoustique, a three-piece band, will play Concert 'Eau in Sea Major in the harbour. Frontman Jean Phillippe Carde said it was their first Australian show and their first in seawater.

Acquacoustique use watering cans, snorkels, shower heads, poly pipe and waterproofed traditional instruments to produce their unique sound.

Another highlight will be the roaming larger than life dinosaur-dragon creatures operated by street performers.

French coffee artist Marc De Cafe will show his granule artwork and Australian sand sculptors Tim and Shani Graham will showcase work at the Woolshed.

Fremantle Arts Centre is a venue for the first time and will host European street theatre acts.

Most acts are free. For information, go to fremantlestory.com.au