Perth Festival 2026 kicked off on February 6 with a boost from global pop star Ed Sheeran, who gave a shoutout to Irish band Beoga during his concert at Optus Stadium over the weekend. Beoga, known for collaborating with Sheeran on songs like 'Galway Girl' and 'Nancy Mulligan', is set to perform at Casa Musica, a series of free concerts at the East Perth Power Station hub.
Artistic director Anna Reece expressed excitement about the festival's opening, highlighting that over a third of the program is free. 'I'm particularly excited about some of the acts that we do have who are playing for free,' Reece said. She also noted the STRUT Dance performances at Forrest Place and the Boorloo Bridge art installation as key attractions.
The festival features 13 Perth Festival commissions, 28 world premieres, and seven Australian premieres over 23 days. It showcases work from 413 West Australian and 144 international artists. New additions to the program include King Stingray on the Main Stage and The Tiger Lillies at The Embassy.
Reece described the festival's philosophy as 'You do you', offering a diverse range of experiences from mosh pits to meditative events. 'Perth Festival isn't about staying in one lane or in one scene,' she said, encouraging attendees to explore the city's rivers and theatres.
The festival runs from February 6 to March 1. For tickets and program details, visit fringeworld.com.au.
