Perth Festival 2026: A River of Light and Stories
The Perth Festival 2026 has launched with a breathtaking celebration of culture and community, centred around the Derbarl Yerrigan, or Swan River. This year's opening features Karla Bidi, a mesmerising light and sound installation that translates to "fire trail" in the Noongar language. The work draws inspiration from ancient practices of lighting campfires along the riverbanks, creating a symbolic path of gathering and connection.
Karla Bidi: A Trail of Fire and Belonging
Comprising 11 sculptures that stretch from Mandoon (Guildford) to Walyalup (Fremantle), Karla Bidi illuminates the river with a series of glowing orbs and ribbons of light. At Kings Park, families gather at sunset to witness a giant golden orb that shoots light into the night sky, described by one child as resembling an "upside down jellyfish." The installation includes a 15-minute looped track performed in Noongar by artists McGuire and Wilkes, with lyrics that speak of loss and resilience, such as "We can no longer see the stories the stars tell us" and "all of us are made up of stars."
Artist Ilona McGuire, who developed the work with Jacob Nash, Chloe Ogilvie, and Ian Wilkes, explains that from a bird's eye view, the installations appear as symbolic fires along the river, serving as a powerful symbol of belonging. This message feels particularly poignant following recent events in Perth, adding depth to the festival's focus on cultural heritage and unity.
Artistic Director's Vision and Riverside Performances
Artistic director Anna Reece's second program for the Perth Festival, now in its seventh decade as Australia's longest-running arts festival, emphasises the Derbarl Yerrigan as a central theme. Works unfold at the river's edge, including installations that light the banks and performances at venues like the East Perth power station. The festival aims to highlight the river's role in daily life and its ancient stories, fostering a sense of community through art.
A View from the Bridge: Intimate Conversations
Adding to the festival's immersive experience is British artist Joe Bloom's project, A View from the Bridge. This installation features red telephones placed on city bridges, inviting strangers to pick up and share their stories with Bloom. The project, previously staged in cities like London and New York, feels uniquely suited to Perth, where 13 bridges connect diverse suburbs and histories.
Bloom has conducted interviews with notable figures such as Dr Richard Walley, a Noongar cultural leader who discusses the impact of colonisation and the importance of self-representation. In a video, Walley reflects on his personal connection to the river, noting its spiritual significance despite alterations from colonisation. He shares memories of family members camping near the Narrows Bridge and emphasises the river's enduring role in storytelling and cultural practices.
Other participants include Yvonne Armarego, who opened up about the loss of her son Theo and the decision to donate his organs, and Jarred Casey, who spoke of his transformation into fatherhood after overcoming personal challenges. These conversations reveal intimate moments of grief, memory, and survival, creating a fragmented portrait of Perth's community.
Festival Highlights and Community Impact
Throughout the Perth Festival, which runs until 1 March, Karla Bidi will continue to light up parklands and picnic areas along the Swan River every night. Bloom's interviews from A View from the Bridge will be shared on Instagram, offering a digital extension of the festival's themes. The event serves as a timely reminder of the power of art to bring people together, celebrate cultural diversity, and honour the deep stories that flow through the city, much like the river itself.
