Photos: Supplied.
BY MARGARET VOTE
Who would have thought little old Wynnum could produce such a world-class event, with sensational entertainment, delivering great joy and fun to our community!
When the people of Wynnum come together and contribute their amazing generosity of spirit and invite their friends from Manly and Lota and greater Brisbane along for the celebration, that’s when anything is possible (especially when being led by the quintessential spirit of Tom Oliver and his greater-than-ever vision for WYNNUM FRINGE 2022) and everything that follows is pure MAGIC!
The opening event was led by the Elders of QUANDAMOOKA peoples at Pandanus Beach with traditional dance and lighting of the fire followed by YANA MARUMBA ‘walk good’. First Nations’ People led all those who gathered on Wynnum Pier along the waterfront to George Clayton Park for Welcome to Country speech by Aunty Merle Dippel.
Congratulations to Tom Oliver, Jess, Emma, David, and Tom’s Mum and Dad, Stephanie and Peter Oliver, for an incredible effort, and well done to all the wonderful sponsors who love this community.
A huge shout-out goes to all the volunteers who gave so selflessly of their time to serve at the event.
Not to be forgotten are the many residents who live close to Wynnum Fringe – thank you for your generosity and your patience and understanding – you gave ‘air and life’ to many struggling entertainers.
We saw world-class artists – a kaleidoscope of singers and musicians, music genres from swing to rock, jazz to blues, vibrant Latino, cultural and burlesque and cabaret, a Battle of the Bands and the Common People Eisteddfod, along with talented comedians who made us laugh till we cried, children’s pantomimes and circus acrobats and muscle, European, Japanese car clubs, and a Wynnum Pooch Parade for dog lovers.
There was something for everyone, free and ticketed entertainment. To top it all off, we had the Bayside Bash with Australian and local legends of cricket. Our up-and-coming young players had a Brisbane Heat Cricket Clinic and played a junior match before the ‘Big Boys’ took to the field. Spectators cheered, enjoyed the music, the cold drinks … and the winner was cricket!
It was a privilege and an honour to be given the opportunity to sponsor the Raine & Horne Wynnum Manly Spiegeltent this year. The Spiegeltent hosted the incomparable Marcia Hines and Velvet Rewired, fresh from shows in Munich, Germany, and now on the way to the Sydney Opera House. Then there were icons Diesel, Dave Hughes, Akmal, Cal Wilson, and many other well-known artists. I have absolutely loved being on Tom’s Wynnum Fringe ‘bandwagon’ for 2020, 2021, and 2022 ….I can’t wait for 2023!
All the sponsors involved obviously saw Tom’s vision to create work for his industry and his much-loved community, colleagues and friends. This year he gave work to more than 381 local & overseas artists and 521 workers employed and sold 18,000+ tickets to shows and more than 38,000 people, men, women, children and pooches came through the gates.
It takes a village of people to bring about significant change, and the people kept coming and many kept coming back. Thank you for turning up and for everyone’s commitment!
This EXTRAORDINARY EVENT is now a TRADITION giving CONNECTION to WYNNUM.
