Auburn Frenchfest 2023

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Posted 2023-09-02 by Juliet E ⇒ follow

Fri 08 Sep 2023 - Sun 10 Sep 2023

September sees the return of the fabulous Auburn Frenchfest, first held in 2021 and now being held biennially.

Along with friends and family, all those keen Francophiles who attended the inaugural festival and loved it will be descending on the beautiful Clare Valley in South Australia for a weekend of music, theatre, markets, food and wine, all with a decidedly French flavour.

The action kicks off on Friday 8th September with a n official opening in Centenary Park, which will be a focal point for many of the weekend's activities.

Following the opening is the world premiere of a specially written play, Dream, by Andrew Cooper and Karen King, with an elegant 3-course dinner and live entertainment prior to the cabaret-style performance.

For those not attending the play, there will also be a cocktail event at Mr Nobody and a photography exhibition opening by Asha at Mr Horrocks Cellar Door. And to put you in the mood, there will be a Champagne Masterclass in the afternoon, prior to the opening. And that's just Friday night!

Saturday and Sunday will bring an action-packed programme, from crepe making, musical instrument making and floral arrangement workshops to puppet shows and a wine-tasting event pitching Clare Valley wines against French. You can watch French theatre from Panache or even learn to swear in French!

The many musical offerings are stunning - long-time jazz favourites, Louise Blackwell and the French Set will bring their polished performances of French popular song, Jen de Ness and Bill Atkinson present their own original compositions, the Diminutive Diva Michaela Burger brings saucy songs and comic characters, cabaret artist and dancer Lisette shares songs of love and life in France, and it would not be a French Festival without the foot tapping gypsy jazz of Les Gitans Blancs (the White Gypsies). Trio Montagne present 100 years of French culture, with images and sub-titles, while residents of the Clare Valley come together as the Grande Ensemble to bring Saint-Saens' Carnaval des Animaux alongside some of their own favourite works.

Les Gitans Blancs

And for those who just like to wander and absorb the lively atmosphere, there will be daily markets, wine and cheese tastings, children's entertainment, a Dress your Dog - French Style competition, art and photography exhibitions, French cars on display, petanque, roving performers and food trucks.

To top off what promises to be an exhilarating weekend, there will be a final 'After Party in the Park' on Sunday afternoon, to bid a fond farewell for another 2 years.

If you haven't yet booked for your selected shows: is the booking link