- Fremantle parties like it’s 1983 with free community celebration to mark
40th anniversary of America’s Cup win
- Hoodoo Gurus, Baby Animals, Voyager and Slim Jim and the FATTS to play 80s themed music
- Drone show finale to close off celebrations
The Cook Government is throwing the nation’s biggest party in Fremantle today to celebrate 40 years since Australia II won the America’s Cup.
The free concert will kick off at 2pm with 80s themed music by Slim Jim and the FATTS, before Eurovision sensation Voyager perform a synth metal version of ‘Down Under’ from 3.15pm.
Headline acts the Hoodoo Gurus and the Baby Animals will take the stage later in the day, ahead of a spectacular light and sound drone show called ‘Match Made in Heaven’, inspired by the historic 1983 yacht race. It has been co-designed by 1983 winning crew members John Longley and Skip Lissiman.
Site map and detailed information can be found on the Mellen Events website:https://www.australia2.com.au/plan-your-day.php.
There is free entry to the WA Maritime Museum through until 26 September 2023 to see the new Australia II: 40 Years On exhibition featuring a replica cup, boxing kangaroo flag, Lego model of the famous yacht and a 2023-produced film.
More information and opening hours are at https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“Forty years ago, Western Australians turned out in droves to celebrate our historic America’s Cup win and we’re keeping that tradition alive.
“There is fun for the whole family thanks to roving street performers, activities for kids,
1980s cars and the concert and drone show.
“With free public transport across the network there is no excuse to miss the celebrations.”
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“The Premier and I are delighted to be at Victoria Quay seeing people enjoying themselves and rocking on to iconic bands Hoodoo Gurus, Baby Animals, Voyager and Slim Jim & The FATTS.
“The WA Maritime Museum is free to enter until 7.30pm for a chance to see the special Australia II: 40 Years exhibition. On top of a rock star music line-up we have food trucks and family friendly activations across the afternoon. Plus there is the amazing drone show finale by Fremantle Biennale.
“Bring your nanna, bring your kids, everyone is welcome!”
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Winning the America’s Cup in 1983 was a moment our entire community shared, and we want the 40-year celebrations on Sunday to be the same, which is why we are providing free public transport across the network.
“The weather is looking great, there’s plenty of entertainment on offer for the whole family and with the cost of transport covered, we want to see as many people joining in the festivities as possible.”
Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
“I am delighted to see Fremantle abuzz with Australia II fever once again as people come together to celebrate a fantastic moment in our sporting history.
“Fremantle came alive in the 1980s with America’s Cup fever and today is a great commemoration of that spectacular win.”
