The stages are set and a Hell’s Bell is set to ring in the world’s largest homage to AC/DC’s Bon Scott and his Western Australian links at Perth Festival’s 2020 free public finale.
Highway to Hell will take place on Sunday March 1 – the 40th anniversary since original AC/DC front man Bon Scott was laid to rest at Fremantle Cemetery.
From 4pm, more than 130 free community activities and events will span 10km of Canning Highway, which will be closed to traffic from 1pm to 11pm, to create the world’s longest stage and Perth’s playground for the day. Key crossroads remain open.
A large starter’s bell (supplied by John Taylor & Co, the same company that made the original AC/DC Hell’s Bell) will ring out at 5pm to send the trucks on their way from Applecross to Fremantle. On board, a mix of local and international acts will belt out their versions of AC/DC classics.
The family friendly event includes roving street performers, high-voltage performance poets, community choirs, dance troupes, kids activities, meal offerings, music and art exhibitions.
There will be entertainment along the highway, with the program split into four key zones:
- The Canning Bridge zone – Canning Bridge to Riseley Street, Applecross
- The Tompkins Park Zone – Tompkins Park, Alfred Cove
- The Valley Zone – Stock Road to Petra Street, Palmyra
- The Rainbow Zone – May Street, East Fremantle to the Rainbow between the bridges in Fremantle
Connecting all the zones will be the ‘hit parade’ of trucks with their mobile stages decked out as Aussie icons – including a giant sausage roll.
Dan Sultan with members of the Perth Symphony Orchestra, Mojo Juju and the WAAPA Gospel Choir, and Perth’s mass Air Guitar World Record attempt, led by Perth’s own world air guitar runner-up Alex ‘The Jinja Assassin’ Roberts, will add to the fun at Tompkins Park.
From Aussie rock to Finnish folk, saltwater sounds to soulful strains, artists as diverse as Pigram Brothers, Amyl and the Sniffers, Japan’s Shonen Knife and WA’s Abbe May with The Southern River Band will give Bon Scott the epic tribute he deserves.
To make the most of the day, pick your zone – plan your journey – allow plenty of time.
Local residents are encouraged to walk or cycle to the event, pack lightly and expect to walk some distance. If driving, carpooling is recommended. Street parking will be available subject to normal conditions and limited overflow parking zones will be available.
Transperth services also are available. Families should take advantage of the family rider ticket for up to seven people (two standard fares and five concession fares) to travel anywhere on the network for $13.10.
Free shuttle buses will be operating to and from Highway to Hell zones, look for Route 666, 667 and 668 shuttles. Allow extra travel time, as services will be busy.
Highway to Hell zones via public transport
Canning Bridge: Catch the train to Canning Bridge Station and take the short walk down Canning Highway.
Tompkins Park: Catch the train to Bull Creek Station then jump on a free shuttle bus.
The Valley: Catch the train to Fremantle Station then jump on a free shuttle bus to The Leopold Hotel.
The Rainbow: Catch the train to Fremantle Station and take a short walk to the Fremantle Traffic Bridge.
Visit https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au or download the Transperth App for more information.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“Perth Festival is widely recognised as the city’s premier cultural event, it is the largest international arts festival in Australia.
“Highway to Hell not only celebrates a Western Australian icon, lead singer of AC/DC Bon Scott, but celebrates our city, our State and who we are as a community.
“In just over a week, more than 130 community activities will span Canning highway at four key zones as part of the festival’s free closing celebration.
“I encourage everyone to save the date, pick your zone, start planning your journey – allow plenty of time – and get ready to rock at this once-in-a-lifetime event!”
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“As part of the State Government’s drive to boost tourism, we asked Perth Festival to develop a product that would draw out-of-State visitors to WA. The Highway to Hell event fits the bill.
“This event presents a fantastic opportunity for not only the people of Perth, but also those travelling here from interstate and overseas, to share in a unique homage to one of the world’s most famous rock bands.
“We already know there are people travelling from as far away as the US, UK and Japan for this event, which is testament to the worldwide appeal of AC/DC’s music.
“It will certainly be a memorable way to close the 2020 Perth Festival.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Closing down one of Perth’s highways to create the world’s largest stage is not something that can be done easily – I would like to thank the Public Transport Authority, Main Roads, all government agencies involved and local governments for their collaboration in making this event happen.
“We are urging people to think ahead, plan their journey to the event and leave plenty of time to get there.
“There are a range of public transport options available that will drop people right in the thick of the action at the four Highway to Hell action zones.
“Make sure you check the Transport website or app and road closures in the area to plan your journey and make this High Voltage event one to remember.”
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
“Freo’s container rainbow will come alive as the final entertainment zone, with roving performers, choirs, acrobats and kids’ activities.
“People are urged to bring a picnic and settle in for the afternoon, enjoying this wonderful free event by Perth Festival.”
As stated by Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley:
“This event will bring the Canning Highway to life in a way that has never been experienced before.
“I am looking forward to hearing some fantastic AC/DC music together with my family and enjoying the vibrancy of the event.”
Culture and the Arts Minister’s office – 6552 5400
