Historical Roots of Adelaide’s Festival Culture
The University of Adelaide Grace William
Abstract Adelaide is widely recognized as the Festival City of Australia due to its rich history of arts and cultural celebrations. This paper explores the historical roots of Adelaide's festival culture, tracing its origins from the early planned settlement of the city to the establishment of major arts institutions and festivals. It examines the development of the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the construction of the Adelaide Festival Centre, highlighting their role in shaping the cultural identity of the city. By analyzing community engagement, institutional growth, and the international recognition of Adelaide as a hub for arts and festivals, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how the city earned its reputation and continues to nurture a vibrant festival culture. The paper also references contemporary perspectives on Adelaide’s festival status, offering readers insights into both historical and current significance.
Getting Started Understanding Adelaide’s festival culture begins with examining the city’s foundation and civic planning. Adelaide was designed to be a structured and livable settlement, with public spaces that encouraged community interaction and cultural events. The establishment of the Adelaide Festival of Arts in 1960 marked a turning point, creating a platform for local and international artists. Soon after, the development of the Adelaide Festival Centre provided a permanent venue to host diverse performances and foster community participation. This paper will guide readers through key moments in the growth of Adelaide’s festival culture, highlighting historical milestones, major festivals, and the social and economic impact on the city.
Early Foundations of Adelaide: From Settlement to Civic Vision
The city of Adelaide refers here to the area within the outer boundary of the parklands; that is, the ‘square mile’ of the commercial centre, plus North Adelaide, the city’s first suburb. The city was founded on the last day of 1836, when the surveyor-general of the incipient colony, William Light, fixed its location about 12 kilometres inland on the eastern shore of Gulf St Vincent. The site was ‘on the bank of a beautiful stream, with thousands of acres of the richest land I ever saw’, according to Governor John Hindmarsh. Critics like the rancorous journalist George Stevenson had less flattering descriptions (‘cucumber beds half a day’s journey inland’), but Light’s choice was vindicated within a few years of his early death in 1839.
Light’s Plan Light surveyed the site between January and March 1837. No doubt taking his cue from the layout of most New World cities established on greenfield sites early in the nineteenth century, Light used a grid-iron plan which derives ultimately from the Roman castrum. The main part was on gently sloping ground, but where necessary, as in North Adelaide and in East Terrace, he shifted the orientation of the streets to follow the contours. The survey finished, the 1042 town acres were distributed to their purchasers (most land having been sold well before the settlers took ship) with the order of choice determined by lot. Adelaide’s most distinctive feature is the band of parklands that surrounds and bisects the two parts of the city and which now rules it off neatly from the sprawling suburbs beyond. How Light decided on this concept, or even whether he was responsible for it at all, has been a matter for speculation. Similar arrangements may be observed in other planned cities of the same era, Portland, Oregon, United States, with its ‘park blocks’ being the most comparable example. Except for the sections designated government reserves, in the 1840s all the parklands were placed under the ‘care, control and maintenance’ of the City Council. Thanks to its stewardship – the council has doggedly fought off many attempts at expropriation – the parklands have remained fairly intact.
Development Adelaide developed as a virtual city-state, dominating its vast thinly populated hinterland to a degree unique in Australia. Not only was it the sole commercial centre of its region, but for half of the twentieth century it was also the sole industrial centre. The fortunes of the city therefore mirrored the boom-and-bust economy of South Australia. In the booms, such as the one following the discovery of copper in the Mid North in 1860, wealth poured into the city, lavishly endowing the university and the cultural resources on North Terrace and financing the construction of grand mansions. During the busts, as in the 1890s and 1930s, when up to a third of male workers were unemployed, the ramshackle encampments by the River Torrens at
Pinkie Flat expanded and the semi-slums around Light Square became ever more derelict. Development in the first century of white settlement was limited mostly to the infilling of the vacant town acres and, particularly in the west end and North Adelaide, their sub-division by small cross-streets and lanes lined with terraced cottages. Except in the small commercial core, the city was still a place where people lived, even though its share of the metropolitan population fell steadily. (Fifty years after settlement 40 per cent of urban residents were living within the parklands; but after another 50 years only 12 per cent were still doing so.) Amenities improved enormously: the city was deep-sewered in 1880–83, helping to curb the appalling infant mortality rate which was then the worst in the country; the Torrens was dammed to produce an ornamental lake in 1881; Light’s generously wide streets required few adjustments to accommodate motor vehicles from 1900; and all the central roads were sealed with bitumen in the 1920s.
Population Change and Changing Land Use The most drastic transformation over the next 60 years was the flight of residents to the suburbs and therefore radical changes in the city’s land use. The population had peaked at 43 164 in 1920, remaining fairly stable at about 39 000 until the end of World War II. But in the 1950s virtually all the square mile became a de facto industrial zone. Warehouses, business premises, workshops and waste ground used for car parking replaced houses in many of the cross-streets. For at least a decade after 1957 the city lost 175 dwellings and 900 people each year. Indeed, a planning report of 1962 foresaw, and welcomed, no dwellings at all in the South Adelaide of 30 years hence. Adelaide was en route to becoming a ‘doughnut’ city, occupied only by the poor and the childless affluent. Fortunately the dangers were recognised in time. The city planner, Hugh Bubb, saw at first hand in America the social consequences of eviscerating inner cities. However, the proposed remedies would have been much worse than the disease. One scheme called for the virtual levelling of the south-east corner, except for St John’s Church, and its total reconstruction in the form of massive apartment blocks on the model of La Défense in Paris. Fortunately such grandiose plans foundered on the usual rock – lack of money. More modest initiatives, such as the first City of Adelaide Plan in 1974, as well as solid incentives to private developers to refurbish semi-derelict sites and buildings, made recovery of the residential population to at least half the level of the 1920s a practicable goal for the early twenty-first century.
Continuously Changing Cityscape In the competing claims for conservation versus development, Adelaide has suffered some grievous losses. The demolition of the Exhibition Building and the South Australian Hotel on North Terrace, the Theatre Royal in Hindley Street, and the Grand Central Hotel on the Rundle/Pulteney Street corner are only the leading items
on a long roll of infamy. Adelaide is still suffering the legacy of what seems to have been, in retrospect, a nadir in the arts of public architecture and civic design in the 1960s and early 1970s: the transformation of some of the parklands into themed ‘gardens’, the visual obliteration of Victoria Square by diagonal roads unsympathetic to Light’s angular forms, and too many ugly curtain-wall blocks such as the Schulz Building on Kintore Avenue. But the city has generally fared at least as well as other Australian capital cities, and there were some victories for preservation. The 1980s and 1990s also produced some imaginative and inspiring buildings: Rod Roach’s fire station in Wakefield Street, Guy Maron’s Bicentenary Conservatory in the Botanic Gardens, and some of the office conversions of the 1980s boom. Light’s city has remained remarkably true to its founder’s vision. Admittedly, it has not evolved quite as he planned. Two inherent weaknesses soon became evident: the inadequate provision of north–south cross routes, and the lack of provision for a railway, which led to the alienation of a huge swathe (more than 50 hectares) of prime parklands. Nor did Victoria Square ever become the city’s heart. But William Light’s ghost would have no difficulty recognising the city 160 years after he made his first sketch of the ‘town Adelaide’ in February 1837.
Birth of the Adelaide Festival of Arts (1960)
Just how big is the Adelaide Fringe? In a word: Massive. From 16 February – 17 March, the 2024 Adelaide Fringe will take over Adelaide and regional SA, with more than 1300 shows held across around
500 venues. It’s Australia’s biggest arts festival and the world’s second-largest annual arts festival (after the Edinburgh Festival Fringe). Established as an adjunct to the Adelaide Festival in 1960 to showcase smaller, local performers, Adelaide Fringe has long since outgrown its roots. It’s now a multi-genre mega-event that’s famous globally and so beloved locally that one in every two South Australians attended at least one show in 2023.
It’s record breaking Speaking of 2023, this was the year the Adelaide Fringe made history, becoming the first Australian festival to sell one million tickets. The 2024 event is already on track to smash more records, with ticket sales up on the same time last year. Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall says this is an excellent sign for our local arts sector, since the Fringe’s success has always been a barometer for how well our arts and cultural scene is doing in both South Australia and the country as a whole. “This increase in ticket sales, especially following a Fringe that already broke all previous records, is a testament to our festival’s ever-increasing appeal and the public’s huge appetite for magical and groundbreaking arts experiences,” Ms Croall says.
Economic Impact Everyone knows the Adelaide Fringe is a fun time, but it plays another important role by providing a massive economic boost for our arts and tourism sectors. Last year’s Adelaide Fringe generated $105.5 million in gross expenditure for South Australia – and $84.3 million of that was from interstate and overseas tourists. Around 45,000 out-of-state visitors descended on South Australia to attend Adelaide Fringe shows, spending 230,000 nights in SA accommodation. Not only that, but 2023’s box office revenue soared 21 per cent to $25.1 million, with $24 million of this paid directly to artists and venues. The Adelaide Fringe is made possible by the financial support of the South Australian Government, as well as its generous sponsors. This year marks 19 years of BankSA’s Principal Partnership with Adelaide Fringe.
What does the 2024 Adelaide Fringe include? A better question might be what doesn’t it include? Whether you’re a cabaret connoisseur, comedy queen, music lover or theatre tragic, there’s something in the program(external site) for you – no interest is too niche! This year, Fringe goes way beyond the ‘traditional’ idea of the arts, with events catering specifically for video gamers, foodies, wine enthusiasts, nature lovers and film buffs.
Not only that, but the 2024 Fringe really is a statewide festival(external site), with 11 per cent of the shows happening in regional SA. From the Port Augusta Fringe Hub to Naracoorte’s Comedy in the Caves, every South Australian is welcome at this party!
‘Mad March’ in Adelaide For Adelaideans, it will be hard to navigate the CBD during Fringe month without encountering a tempting taste or two of that fabulous Fringe magic, with venues(external site) around almost every corner. Famous Fringe faves are back, including The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Gluttony and Wonderland in Hindmarsh Square. They’re joined by fun and fabulous newbies including the Pink Flamingo in Festival Plaza, Infamous Circus in Ellis Park/Tampawardli, and The Inflatable Church in Light Square. International shows make up 23 per cent of the 2024 program, highlighting the global reputation and pull of Adelaide Fringe. Then there are 703 South Australian shows making up more than half the program and illustrating once again the strength of our state’s artistic talent.
Indigenous line up The Adelaide Fringe is held on the ancestral lands of First Nations Peoples, so it’s only fitting there’s a significant and diverse program of First Nations shows(external site) in the 2024 program. Things kick off with First Nations Cultural Tours of Adelaide Botanic Garden on 11 February, before the official festival start date. Other highlights include live music events Marlon – Blood in the Water and Zenadth Kes Meriba Wed (Our Songs). An artistic event that will give you unique insight into First Nations culture is Club Culture, both a workshop and mini festival. Then there’s Dupang Pangari (Coorong Spirit) Festival – a camping festival and corroboree by Uncle Moogy, Dusty Feet Mob’s joyous and healing dance event, plus the returning comedy sensation, Aboriginal Comedy Allstars.
Expansion and Institutionalisation: Building the Festival Centre
Festival Plaza is being transformed into a world-class destination at the heart of the Adelaide Riverbank Entertainment Precinct. The upgrade is a key part of the broader Riverbank renewal and will support economic growth while creating a vibrant space for locals and visitors to enjoy. The revitalised Plaza will offer people-focused spaces to explore, relax, shop, dine and connect. Delivered in partnership with SkyCity Adelaide and Walker Corporation, the project represents more than $1 billion in public and private investment, including $213 million from the State Government. The development includes:
Expansion of SkyCity Casino, completed in 2020 A mixed-use development by Walker Corporation, comprising a car park (completed in 2021) and a 29-storey 6-star Green Star office tower, known as Festival Tower, completed in 2024 State Government-led upgrades to the Adelaide Festival Centre and civic spaces Award-winning northern entrance to the Adelaide Railway Station.
Plans for a retail building and public realm have evolved to accommodate a second tower at Festival Plaza Tower 2, which received approval from the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) in June 2025, following a code amendment earlier in the year. When finished, the second tower is expected to be home to up to 5,000 office workers and support a further 100 retail positions across its lower-level restaurants, cafes and bars, driving more than $1 billion in yearly economic activity.
The public realm is also being constructed in stages in alignment with the completion of adjacent developments, and an elevated forecourt is proposed, alongside a new laneway adjoining Parliament House. The first and largest stage of the revitalised Festival Plaza public realm was completed in March 2022. The expansive new public space features six arbours, a 20m-long water feature, landscaping and refurbished artworks from the original Hajek Plaza. Once complete, the public realm will encompass the areas surrounding some of Adelaide’s most iconic heritage buildings, including the Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide Railway Station and the Houses of Parliament. Other key works have included:
A reimagined Station Road links the CBD with Festival Plaza, Elder Park and the River Torrens. Stronger integration between Adelaide Railway Station and King William Road. New northern station entrance offers level access to Riverbank Footbridge, vaulted ceiling, retail and access to SkyCity Casino and Dunstan Playhouse. Upgraded promenade along Adelaide Festival Centre’s northern face with wider pathways and better theatre access. Walk of Fame embedded in the walkway celebrates past and present performers. Enhanced theatre access includes a central garden and nearby dining options for visitors.
Heritage and culture Dedicated community consultation was undertaken, including with First Nations community bodies and the State Heritage Unit, to help inform the place principles and project outcomes. A Cultural Heritage Management Plan was developed for the project site in liaison with Kaurna elders on the removal and relocation of the Indigenous public art impacted by construction. Arts South Australia worked with artists and families to manage the respectful removal and reinstatement of the Kaurna Meyunna, Kaurna Yerta Tampendi by Tony Rosella. Other refurbished artworks from the original Hajek Plaza that have been installed into the new public space include: - Vertical Variation by Bert Flugelman - Sundial by Owen Broughto
- Tetrahedra by Bert Flugelman.
Adelaide Festival Centre as the Heart of Arts and Culture
Australia is home to many unique cities, each with its own charm. Among them, Adelaide stands out because of its reputation as the ‘Festival City’. Its natural setting alone is enough to captivate visitors’ senses, sitting between rolling hills and pristine beaches. But what makes the city different is its cultural calendar, offering residents and visitors a feast of experiences they can participate in throughout the year. Adelaide’s status as a hub for arts and culture didn’t come about by chance. The city’s planners had envisioned a place where creativity would flourish, and over the past few decades, it has become a magnet for artistic expression. Wide arrays of festivals dot the city’s calendar, from world-renowned festivals to smaller community-driven events. This piece delves into the historical events and cultural menagerie that shaped its identity. The city is a testament to how a harmonious blend of vision, community spirit and diversity turned it into Australia’s cultural epicentre.
1. A Vision Rooted in History Adelaide’s roots as the Festival City date back to its very foundation. The city was established in 1836 as a planned settlement with many open spaces to encourage community well-being. This vision was extended to its cultural aspirations, which fostered an environment that embraced innovation and creativity. By the mid-20th century, these values were re-expressed in establishing hallmark events like the Adelaide Festival of Arts in 1960. This set the stage for the city’s cultural identity, bringing together artists, performers and audiences worldwide. Festival of Arts quickly became the cornerstone of the city’s calendar, showcasing an eclectic mix of music, theatre, visual arts and more. Its success paved the way for
other major events, reinforcing Adelaide’s reputation as a city celebrating art. Over time, the festival inspired spin-offs like the Adelaide Fringe, which has now become the 2nd largest art festival in the world.
2. A Festival for Every Passion One of the defining features of city’s festive scene is its diversity. Whether you’re a fan of good food, cutting-edge art or lively street performances, the city has something for everyone. The Adelaide Fringe attracts performers of all genres and skill levels. The inclusive nature of the festival ensures that visitors are as likely to stumble upon an avant-garde play as they are a family-friendly comedy act. During the Fringe, the city transforms into a vibrant playground, with pop-up venues, street art and performances spilling out into public spaces. For those passionate about music, WOMADelaide is a must-attend event. Held annually in the Botanic Park, this festival celebrates the sounds of the world, bringing together artists from diverse cultures and genres. Similarly, events like the Adelaide Guitar Festival and OzAsia Festival add depth to the city’s musical and cultural offerings.
3. A Culinary Celebration No discussion of Adelaide’s festivals would be complete without mentioning its culinary scene. South Australia is known as the nation’s food and wine capital, and this reputation is celebrated through events like Tasting Australia. This festival invites foodies to indulge in some of the best cuisines the region offers, from gourmet meals handcrafted by renowned chefs to cooking workshops. With the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills just a stone’s throw away, visitors can pair their culinary adventures with world-class wine. Aside from the festival, Adelaide’s food markets and laneway eateries also reflect the city’s love for gastronomic delights. The Central Market is a year-round festival of flavours where locals gather to enjoy fresh produce, artisanal treats, and multicultural cuisine. It mirrors the city’s inclusive spirit and commitment to celebrating life through food.
4. The Community Spirit These festivals are all about fostering a sense of community. The diverse events unite people and create shared experiences that strengthen the city’s social fabric. Whether it is the families enjoying the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Pageant or a group of friends exploring the night markets during the Fringe, these festivals create moments of connection. In addition, the city’s compact size enhances the feeling of unity. Moving from one event to another is easy, and many festivals use public spaces, ensuring accessibility for all. This inclusivity is the essence of Adelaide’s festival culture, reflecting a genuine effort to make everyone feel welcome.
5. Offering a Global Stage Adelaide’s festivals don’t just appeal to locals; it has positioned the city as a global destination of culture and creativity. With many international artists gracing its grounds attracted by the city’s engaging audiences and supportive infrastructure, they have led the city’s festivals to earn numerous accolades, further cementing its reputation on the world stage. Apart from this, the city’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents makes festivals feel dynamic and fresh. Local artists are given the opportunity to share their voices, contributing to a cultural scene that is grounded in community while remaining open to the world. With the large number of festivals that Adelaide has to offer, we at Bond Cleaning Adelaide can help you enjoy all the festivities without making you skimp on the cleanliness needed for your home. We provide professional services like end of lease cleaning in Adelaide that includes scrubbing, degreasing, sweeping, mopping and vacuuming, ensuring a thorough cleaning of your rental property. Our service comes with a bond back guarantee (T&Cs Apply) for 7 days and we also offer a free re-clean within 72 hours if any issues arise. We provide upfront quotes with no hidden charges that are tailored to the size and requirements of your home. We utilise non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to minimise the environmental impact and constantly improve our methods with the latest techniques. So go ahead and give us a call and enjoy all that the city of Adelaide has to offer while staying assured that your home is in good hands.
Cultural Identity Through Early Festivals and Community Engagement Ready to explore the rich history of your local area? South Australia’s History Festival delves into the stories, places and collections that shape the state's identity, offering a unique look into the past. Throughout the month of May, South Australia’s History Festival will host more than 580 events across the state, exploring this year’s theme, ‘Decisions’. Whether you're a history buff or a casual visitor, here are some council-led events you won't want to miss.
City of Adelaide Good Times: Music Memories and Moments in Adelaide Exhibition Commemorate Adelaide’s 10th year as a UNESCO City of Music with an exhibition showcasing the city’s vibrant musical legacy. Dive into a collection of unique memorabilia, from vintage vinyl and iconic record shops to beloved venues and
festivals - uncover the personal stories and connections that have shaped Adelaide's dynamic music scene. When: Throughout May Where: Adelaide City Library Visit City of Adelaide for more information and events.
City of Mitcham Centennial Park's War Stories, Decisions and Development Tour Explore the legacies of war heroes and pivotal figures on guided walking tours at Centennial Park. Discover the profound impact of war on the park's development and visit the final resting places of those who served, alongside key individuals whose decisions helped shape South Australia’s history. When: 6, 15, 20 and 29 May at 10:30 am to 12:00 pm Where: Centennial Park Register now via Centennial Park or visit the City of Mitcham for more events.
City of Port Adelaide Enfield Suitcase Stories Discover a powerful exhibition that delves into the themes of migration, displacement and belonging, bringing personal histories to life through creative expression. In this unique event, students have filled suitcases with symbolic items that reflect their most cherished values, offering a poignant glimpse into the experiences and emotions tied to their journeys. When: 1-31 May at 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Where: City of Port Adelaide Enfield Libraries Visit the City of PAE for more information and other events on offer.
Campbelltown City Council Decisions That Shaped Women's Lives Join Verna Kershaw for an insightful journey through the fundamental decisions made by the inspiring women of the Country Women’s Association (CWA). With a long-standing history of advocating for social change, this session explores how CWA’s choices have transformed lives, empowered communities and left a legacy in shaping the nation. When: 24 May at 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Where: Campbelltown Public Library Visit Campbelltown City Council to book in your place now or discover other events in the area.
Legacy & Growth: From Permanent Institution to Global Recognition
Adelaide’s Festival Centre and the surrounding Festival Plaza precinct have not only endured but evolved significantly, cementing their place as a globally recognized cultural hub. Over decades, strategic government-led investments and redevelopment projects have transformed this area into a vibrant centerpiece of Adelaide’s Riverbank entertainment precinct.
Eurovision The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual singing competition. It's a major European cultural event. Switzerland will be the host nation in 2025. Drink responsibly if you plan to attend Eurovision celebrations. High levels of alcohol consumption increase the risk of theft, assault and sexual assault. You're more vulnerable when drunk. Read our advice about partying safely. Protests are possible during Eurovision Week. Monitor local media for updates and other sources for potential unrest. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Read our advice about protests and civil unrest.
To protect yourself in periods of unrest: avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations follow the advice of local authorities
Lunar New Year Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations in East and Southeast Asian cultures. The date changes each year, depending on the lunar cycle. In 2024,
the festival will be celebrated from 10 February. It typically continues for 15 days. The festival is a major event in: Celebrations also happen in destinations that have large Asian immigrant populations. Lunar New Year is the biggest global travel event. Billions of people travel to be with family on this important occasion. Take this into account when booking travel to destinations that celebrate the event. You may find it hard to find flights and accommodation or experience long delays in the weeks before and after the festival. Public transport is often overcrowded. Local businesses are often closed for up to a week from New Year's Eve. Each culture marks the occasion differently. Research your destination to find out what to expect.
Anzac Day Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Anzac day falls on 25 April each year. If you’re thinking of travelling to commemorate Anzac Day, subscribe to the travel advice for your destination and our news updates. Read our full advice on travelling for Anzac Day. More information:
Learn more about Anzac Day traditions Read our Global COVID-19 Health Advisory See our general advice about going overseas for a major event
World Expo World Expos are a global gathering of nations dedicated to finding solutions to current global challenges. They're a platform for innovation, idea sharing, and cooperation. World Expos are held every 5 years and run for up to 6 months. The next World Expo will be held in Japan from 13 April to 13 October 2025. Tens of millions of visitors normally attend the World Expo. The event involves exhibitions, technology showcases and conferences. It also provides entertainment such as street performances, parades, stage shows, live art and concerts. More information: Read our travel advice for Japan Find information about Australia's participation in the 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo See our general advice about going overseas for a major event
Read about World Expos (Bureau International des Expositions)
Conclusion Adelaide’s emergence as the Festival City is the result of many decades of cultural development, community involvement, and strong government support. From the early vision of creating a city with generous public spaces to the establishment of major arts institutions such as the Adelaide Festival Centre, each stage has contributed to a vibrant and enduring festival tradition. Government investment, careful planning, and ongoing revitalisation of the Festival Plaza precinct continue to strengthen Adelaide’s position as a leader in arts and cultural events. The city now enjoys recognition not only across Australia but also on the international stage, welcoming artists, performers, and visitors from around the world. Adelaide’s festival culture stands as a powerful reflection of community spirit, creativity, and long term commitment to cultural growth, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy a thriving and dynamic arts environment. References: Early Foundations of Adelaide: From Settlement to Civic Vision https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/places/adelaide/ Birth of the Adelaide Festival of Arts (1960) https://www.weare.sa.gov.au/news/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-adelaide-fringe Expansion and Institutionalisation: Building the Festival Centre https://renewalsa.sa.gov.au/projects/festival-plaza Adelaide Festival Centre as the Heart of Arts and Culture https://www.bondcleaninginadelaide.com.au/why-is-adelaide-known-as-the-festivalcity-of-australia/ Cultural Identity Through Early Festivals and Community Engagement https://www.localcouncils.sa.gov.au/news/exploring-the-past-at-south-australiashistory-festival Legacy & Growth: From Permanent Institution to Global Recognition https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/major-events/major-cultural-events
