REAF finale attracts hundreds

A pop-up fringe carnival and sundowner saw hundreds of residents flock to Pegs Creek for the finale of the 2015 Red Earth Arts Festival.

On the Saturday night REAF After Dark saw a collection of mini shows from comedy acts to magicians, hypnotists and cabaret performances in a late night, adults only event.

The evening provided some weird and wonderful performances from Sugar Blue Burlesque, Magician Jean-Luc, Two Brunette’s and a Gay and Captain Ruin, a circus performer who put his body to the test in some rather unusual ways.

World renowned hypnotist, Matt Hale, was a crowd favourite, with residents flocking to the stage for the chance to experience hypnosis at one of his three 30 minute shows.

Hale said he was delighted to be so well-received by an enthusiastic Karratha audience.

“Once volunteers were relaxed into a hypnotic state, they took part in a bongo drum championship where we saw some pretty special moves and also I treated them to nice holiday relaxing on a beach,” he said.

“They were superstars; everyone reacted really well to the hypnosis and went away laughing with a big smile on their face.

“I am so excited be a part of REAF, to see world class acts in this remote setting is incredibly progressive and the community should be very proud of this event.”

The Red Earth Arts Festival wrapped up in Cattrall Park on the Sunday afternoon for a chilled sundowner at REAF Recovery.

Residents were treated to the tunes of a variety of local musicians, stalls, food vans and a series of short Pixar films which proved a hit with local families.

Owner of CB Snapz and Pilbara Photo Booth, Courtney McFarland, said she was really impressed with the level of local business involvement throughout the festival.

“Local businesses have been at all the events and were particularly prominent at the launch party, where there were a huge variety of food stalls,” she said.

“I had my newly launched business Pilbara Photo Booth at REAF Recovery which was fantastic.

“I think there has been a lot more chances for small businesses to be involved in REAF this year.”

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said REAF provided the community with 10 days of high quality events serving to further enhance the arts and culture experience in the region.

Other REAF events on offer throughout last week included an immersive theatre show called Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience, a performance by the Gondwana National Indigenous Children’s Choir, a dance performance with local and professional dancers and a youth event.