Fringe Binge! What's new at WA's largest arts festival

The countdown is on to Fringe World 2018! Kicking off on Jan 26, this year’s line-up includes over 750 shows, across 130 venues in the city and beyond. The festival sure has grown since the first time a strange looking “Spiegeltent” appeared in Northbridge back in 2011. Perth Fringe World is now the third largest in the world! From the wacky to the hilarious, raunchy to random and mind blowing to intense, Fringe is the time to open your creative spirit to the wonderful, diverse world of performing arts. To top it off, a whopping 47% of the events are local acts, with the balance interstate and international, so you can really get to the heart of Perth's burgeoning arts scene. Scoop Events caught up with the Fringe World organisers to nab a few tips and tricks to get the most from your 2018 festival: Shiny & New Fringe Features Grab that boss-like Instagram snap at new feature, The Showman’s Fair. This crazy, mini-festival comes all the way from the Netherlands. It has live music, performance and a long-table dining experience we're told you'll remember forever. Don't forget, no Dutch Fringe fair is complete without a silent disco in a vintage lion’s cage or a tent where you can be touched by God. The usual Tuesday night kind of activities, really. The Showman's Fair runs throughout the festival at The Urban Orchard and it’s free to enter, as are the other main Fringe hubs, The Pleasure Gardens, Fringe Central and hip summer pop-up, The Ice Cream Factory. If you're channelling a less nocturnal, more family friendly vibe, head into town for Buskers Weekend (Feb 2-4) when an international array of street performers, circus and wild entertainers will be on the loose in Perth's shopping malls over seven stages. On the Sunday at 11am a Guinness World Record attempt will be made. An acrobat will attempt to break the record for the most number of balls juggled while suspended upside down on a trapeze.

The Showman's Fair will debut at The Urban Orchard

Get the Best Seat Arrive early for your show! About an hour is a good place to start. This gives you time to pick up your tickets, grab a snack or drink and enjoy the free entertainment. Fringe World seats are unassigned for most shows, so you’ll want to make sure you’re at the front of the queue to nab the best spot when the doors open! Typically, shows run for an hour or less and the average ticket price across the festival is $24. Double up with an early and late-night session to make the most of your night.

The Pleasure Garden at Fringe World, Photo Jarrad Seng

Can’t Get to the City? Fringe World is all about choosing your own adventure and exploring shows and venues all over the Perth metro area. Beyond Northbridge and Perth City, check out Freo Royale in Fremantle, the Sunset Veranda in Scarborough, The Pickled Swan in Midland, Leedypalooza in Leederville, Funtavia in Geraldton and more. Show Tips? Check out Scoop Event's page and subscribe to Scoop Club to stay posted on highlights, straight to your inbox. Alternatively, check out the official Fringe World website.

The Pleasure Garden at Fringe World, photo by Jarrad Seng