A STEADY flow of people filled Gawler’s Civic Centre on Sunday for the Fringe Opening event.

Gawler Council decided to move the 2020 location of the event due to redevelopment works at Walker Place and considered the Civic Centre as an opportunity to explore alternative programming.

The opening officially kicked off at 10am and was followed by local school performances, the Moo Crew, The Ukupundas, and Sing Australia Gawler before an open mic brought the event to a close at 4pm.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said about 1000 people attended the opening throughout the day, including those who entered via the Youth Space entrance.

“Last year’s estimated numbers of 6000 people was across an entire weekend including the Friday night, so overall numbers will be lower compared to last year as the opening event was on one day only,” she said.

“We have seven more exciting events still to come across the month of Fringe.

“Gawler really is a great location for the Fringe; we have fantastic local entertainment and performers, a relaxed family-friendly environment, food and drinks from Gawler’s local businesses and service clubs, all mixed with a friendly, small town vibe.”

The Civic Centre will continue to be the main hub for the town’s festivities, including the SAGA Gawler Women’s International Film Festival this Friday from 6pm to 11pm.

Other events set to hit Gawler include a range of ‘Fringe in the Park’ events, stand-up comedy shows, ‘Nunga Fringe’ and the Gawler Psychic Fair at the Gawler Racecourse.

Gawler Fringe events will run until Saturday, March 14.