Opening weekend of 2022 Adelaide Fringe signifies the 'show will go on'

The 2022 Adelaide Fringe Festival begins tonight, celebrating its opening weekend with a Welcome Ceremony ahead of a 31-day event showcasing over 6000 artists performing over 1000 shows.

Adelaide Fringe Festival Sky Song

The most anticipated and captivating arts festival, the 2022 Adelaide Fringe Festival officially kicks off todaywith the theme of the month-long event being the 'show must go on'.

The event will serve as a timely reminder of the vastness and richness of the arts industry in Australia and across the world, with over 6000 artists performing over 1000 shows of 13 different genres, over the 31 days. As well, it'll be a welcome relief to the performers and revellers to support and appreciate what the event brings, after everything that's hindered the industry across the past two years.

To mark the opening of the festival and the launch of the Adelaide Fringe Reconciliation Plan, Adelaide Fringe is tonight holding a Welcome Ceremony - Kumangka Palti Yerta. The organisers of the festival are welcoming audiences to gather on the unceded sovereign lands of the Kaurna people, joining in a story of ceremony, told through dance by First Nations dancers at Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square) from 4.30 pm.

Much like last year's edition of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, those wishing to attend the many shows throughout the city can do so at over 350 venues across the state, ranging from outdoor theatres ad amphitheatres, laneways, theatres and tents, with a watch-from-home option, also presented.

Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall highlighted the event's importance and declared there was no better time to support the arts industry in the recovery from the effects of the past two years.

“We are thrilled to officially launch the 2022 Adelaide Fringe season! There are so many people who have worked incredibly hard to bring this beloved festival to life – from our entire Fringe team to the artists who breathe life into their shows, and all the venues to ensure everyone can enjoy a COVID-safe festival,” Croall said.

“Ahead of opening weekend, the box office is five per cent up on the same time as last year, which is showing huge audience enthusiasm and excitement. We’ve got 72 new venues and 618 new shows, theatre, music, art, cabaret, comedy – the list is endless, and it all starts tonight. 

“While we have faced many challenging times, it is so inspiring to see the resilience of artists – they have been forced to adapt and continue their quest to entertain people. Now is the time for the community to get back out and support our artists and local businesses and ensure the long-term sustainability of the festival.”

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Venues at the 2022 Adelaide Fringe Festival will be capped at 75 per cent capacity, with the organisers implementing a COVID-Safe policy and a COVID Management Plan to ensure government guidelines are adhered to by all guests and performers.

“Audiences can feel confident in the safety of the festival with all Fringe venues having COVID Management Plans and COVID-Safe Plans signed off by SA Health. These plans will determine the capacity of shows, the seating set up and whether the venue is requiring proof of double vaccination or an exemption, to ensure a COVID-Safe Fringe is presented. Fringe encourages audiences to listen to venue staff and be vigilant with social distancing”, Croall said.

“We also urge audiences to purchase tickets early to ensure they don’t miss out on their favourite shows,  with over 50 shows already sold out ahead of opening weekend." 

It won't just be the city of Adelaide that gets to celebrate all the event has to offer, with Adelaide Fringe taking the four-week festival to regional areas of South Australia as well, including Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor, Naracoorte, the River, Kingston SE and Whyalla.

It's also easier than ever to travel to, and attend any of the Adelaide Fringe Festival events, with principal partner BankSA offering more affordable options such as discounted tickets, to allow people to attend, and to support artists.

A BankSA cardholder can claim 25 per cent off selected shows at the festival, with the sponsor also supporting new artists performing at the festival with BankSA Support Acts. Audiences can purchase tickets for $10, with BankSA reimbursing the artists the full ticket amount.

Adelaide Metro services will be free from midday Fridays until midnight Sundays, ending Sunday, March 20, to encourage more people to attend the 2022 Adelaide Fringe Festival across the weekends especially.

The 2022 Adelaide Fringe Festival runs from Friday, February 18 to Sunday, March 20.