Perth Festival 2021 postponed and season extended

Perth Festival has made the decision to postpone the entire festival for another week, in order to proceed unhindered by post-lockdown procedures. As a result, the season has been extended, and will take place between Mon 15 Feb and Sun 14 Mar. Previously, the festival had only postponed shows from Feb 5 - 7, in order to allow for adequate rehearsals and technical preparation after the lockdown. With this new change, Perth Festival shows will not be affected by the capacity restrictions in place for venues in the Perth & Peel regions, which are in effect between 6pm, Feb 5 to 12:01am, Sunday Feb 14. Festival Executive Director Nathan Bennett said: 'The leadership and support of the State Government, our Principal Partner Lotterywest, Founding Partner the University of Western Australia and all our treasured partners and supporters has helped us immensely throughout these uncertain and disruptive times. We're grateful that their support has given us the confidence and capacity to pursue the dreams of our artists and celebrate our community together.' Festival Artistic Director Iain Grandage said: ‘As we ready ourselves to celebrate our artists and welcome our audiences, we appreciate being able to do so in such challenging times. ‘Our enthusiasm is tempered by our thoughts for those who have lost so much in the bushfires of this week and we can’t begin to comprehend their sorrow. ‘Festivals exist to bring people together and with our friends at Fringe World we are seeking to shine a little joy in these unsettling times. We’ll do everything we can to succeed.’ There have been no cancellations as of yet. All tickets to Perth Festival shows and performances remain valid, and any current ticket holders will be contacted by the festival when rescheduled dates are confirmed. There is no need to call or email the Perth Festival box office, as the team will be in contact with all ticket holders. Lotterywest Films at UWA Somerville will reopen on Mon 15 Feb, and City of Lights in Perth Cultural Centre will open on Tue 16 Feb and operate until Sun 14 Mar.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested immediately at your nearest COVID Clinic or testing site.