NEXT year’s Gawler Fringe is expected to have a “different style” about it, following a resolution passed by Gawler Council last month.

At its September meeting, councillors received a report stating because Walker Place – which has been the location of the Gawler Fringe Opening Event for the past few years – would be  unavailable in 2020 due to redevelopment works, it presented a good opportunity to explore alternative programming.

Using feedback from 28 local businesses, provided to council via a survey, community development officer Linda Weiss recommended next year’s event use the Gawler Civic Centre as the main hub across the month of the Fringe, and two ‘Fringe in the Park’ events be incorporated into the festivities.

“A program of events spread across the month of Fringe can include things like children’s entertainment, comedy shows, live music and other performances,” she stated in the report.

“Local businesses and Niina Marni Café can be engaged to provide pop up food and beverage stalls for various events.

“(Fringe in the Park) are popular community events that allow for families that reside in neighbourhoods outside of the town centre to be involved in the Gawler Fringe festivities.

“The events that occurred in 2018 were extremely well received and attracted a local neighbourhood crowd of almost 300 people at each event.”

Potential locations for the events include Humphrey George Reserve in Evanston Park, and Britton Street Reserve in Gawler West, with the options to include live music and entertainment, children’s activities, arts and craft activities, and the provision of food and drinks in partnership with local businesses and groups.

The 2020 Gawler Fringe will be held from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, March 15.