Tasmania’s Junction Arts festival previews program

Junction Arts, which wryly brands itself “Tassie’s other festival…” does not unveil its full program until July 6.

But it has leaked some of its programs ahead.

Returning for its eighth year, Junction Arts this year is held on September 5 – 9 in the northern part of the island, “an intimate festival of extraordinary experiences in unusual spaces.”

Its creative director Greg Clarke said: “Through collaborations with Tasmania artists, dancers, performers and musicians and presenting that work in spaces unique to Launceston, we have been able to create special events that you will not experience anywhere else.”

Music seems to make its presence felt in most of the previewed programs.

The festival launch party at Windmill Hill Hall will feature the acts Bad Dad Orchestra, Je Bahl and DENNI.

Prince’s Square will be Junction’s illuminated heart (and hub) with music, art, performances and delicious food and wine from the region.

It will feature the world premiere of Roundabout, a new dance, light and music performance in and around the Square’s magnificent 19th-century French fountain featuring Launceston’s roller derby group, the Devil State Derby League.

The Hub is also home to Fountain Bar featuring a packed music program of Tasmania’s best live bands.

Local musicians will also perform at the Tamar Valley Feast, which presents the produce of the Tamar Valley, cooked on open fires by innovative Tasmanian chefs Hubert & Dan.

A Day in Launceston – presented by Open House Hobart in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects – takes visitors on a journey through Launceston’s rich tapestry of architecture.

These include Victorian, Federation and Colonial design alongside an internationally recognised Brutalist treasure, quintessential art-deco detailing and an Egyptian-style synagogue.