DreamBIG Children’s Festival 2019 a huge success for young audiences

Dreambig Game Theory - photo by Giancarlo DonatiniGruffalos, robots, puppies, bears, giraffes, silent discos and more entertained thousands of South Australian children as part of Adelaide Festival Centre’s DreamBIG Children’s Festival 2019.

DreamBIG Children’s Festival 2019 had an incredibly memorable program, and Adelaide Festival Centre is once again honoured to be the custodian of the world’s longest running children’s festival,” said Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM.

“It’s a delight to see young audiences connect to the arts in a meaningful way through entertaining performances, thought provoking exhibitions and immersive workshops. The festival is truly a great contribution to our community.”

With more than 100 shows, exhibitions and workshops on offer, this year’s festival – which took place over 11 days – gave young audiences the chance to sing, dance, paint, listen, watch, laugh and learn as part of the world’s longest running children’s festival.

Glorious sunshine greeted 2000 children for the opening event on Wednesday 22 May with students from 24 schools singing and dancing to the sounds of Electric Fields to declare the festival underway, before crossing the Adelaide Riverbank Footbridge together.

Even with a bit of rain, Big Family Weekend still attracted 25,000 attendees and entertained families with its free events along the North Terrace during the two-day event. For the entire festival, the total attendance was 113,788 – with over 100 performances, 230 workshops or activities the program included 55 shows for children and young people.

“What a festival. We’ve had an incredibly positive response from schools and families who attended DreamBIG Children’s Festival,” said Creative Producer Susannah Sweeney. “This year’s program had amazing shows, and a wide range of exhibitions, installations and workshops for kids to take part in, giving them experiences they will carry in their hearts forever. Bring on DreamBIG 2021.”

DreamBIG Children’s Festival is proud to celebrate Adelaide’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music, joining 115 other cities as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. DreamBIG Children’s Festival is also supported by the Department for Education and Child Development and Arts SA.

The next DreamBIG Children’s Festival will take place in 2021. For more information, visit: www.dreambigfestival.com.au for details.

Image: Game Theory – photo by Giancarlo Donatini