Bleach* Festival 2016

By Thomas Souness.

No, not the chemical, nor Nirvana’s debut album… This time we’re talking about the Gold Coast Bleach* Festival.

Quickly cementing itself into position as one of the Gold Coast’s most renowned and beloved festivals, Bleach* kicks off once more this year from March 4 and continues right through until March 20. Contemporary and innovative artistic programming is the name of the game, with an array of visual arts, outdoor events, music, theatre, and dance to keep you awed and entertained for over 17 glorious days.

Bleach* stands out from other artistic festivals in its utilisation of the best natural scenery Gold Coast has to offer. Sweeping the Gold Coast and incorporating artistic works into the gorgeous golden beaches, and rolling green hinterlands, the artists of Bleach* maximise the landscape’s potential to showcase their artistic works.

There’s a comprehensive line-up, so to help you out a little, we’ve picked a few recommendations:

Ben Lee

Lee has has been been pumping out music in bands or solo since about ’93. In that time he’s released ten albums, received six ARIA awards, and been nominated for ten others. Gracing the Gold Coast with his presence for Bleach*, Lee will personally host an intimate song writing workshop on March 20, before performing in the end-of-festival line up to herald the end of what’s sure to be another successful Bleach* festival.

Preposterous

Preposterous is a contemporary circus act famous for blending the genres of acrobatics and movement based performance art. Having toured the world, and showcasing their works to over 500,000 people in 33 countries, this ensemble, brought to you by the Brisbane-based Circa performance company, will initiate their relationship with the Gold Coast Bleach* festival in 2016 with their Horizon with Angels show on March 4 and 5.

Ella Fence
Self-confessed wanderer, Ella Fence, is a Gold Coast local and is on the cusp of big things. Ella’s brand of cinematic folk is emotive and channels intoxicating nostalgia in a similar vein to Lana Del Rey and Nancy Sinatra. Make sure you check out her debut EP Wanderlust and our interview with the delightful Miss Fence.

Ocean Film Festival

The Ocean Film Festival will be screening carefully selected short films documenting the magnificence of what goes on above and below the water’s surface. If you have even the slightest connection with the sea, you’ll froth on this.

Hello Future!

“Hello Future is a large-scale, street art installation of incredible live digital projections”. This ocular onslaught is a collaboration between Currumbin Valley State School and Brisbane-based arts company Imaginary Theatre. Expand your mind maaaahn!

Of course, these are just two fine examples of the talent expected at Bleach* this year. Check the official Bleach* festival website and socials for more info.