Fremantle Biennale is coming to Melville for a one-night-only riverside celebration.
The City of Melville will come alive on Saturday, 15 November 2025, as the internationally acclaimed Fremantle Biennale brings an unforgettable evening of large-scale performance and music to the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).
This free, family-friendly event will transform Waylen Bay and the Goolugatup Lowerlands into a stage for two powerful works, creating a unique cultural experience for the local community.
The evening begins at 6.15pm at Waylen Bay, where audiences will gather on the shoreline for Vespers, a breathtaking floating chorus performed from couta boats and echoing sound across the water. Created by Rachael Dease and Tim Collins, this hauntingly beautiful performance returns to Melville after captivating audiences first in 2021, now expanded with new technology and live-mixed sound.
From 7.30pm at the Goolugatup Lowerlands, the atmosphere will shift with Sanctuary Within, a vibrant celebration of maloya music and dance from Réunion Island. Led by Dr Muriel Hillion Toulcanon, alongside acclaimed performer Kaloune and band Salama, this performance brings rhythm, movement and celebration to the river’s edge, inviting audiences to join in and experience the healing power of maloya.
City of Melville Mayor, Katy Mair said the City was proud to host such a significant cultural event.
“It is exciting to welcome the Fremantle Biennale back to Melville, giving our community the opportunity to experience world-class performance right here on our riverfront. Events like this connect us to new ideas, new cultures and each other - all in the places we know and love.” the Mayor said.
Audiences are encouraged to arrive early, with parking available at the Lowerlands from 5.30pm. Food vendors will be operating from 7.00pm and attendees are welcome to bring picnics, rugs or low seating. Both performances are free to attend, fully accessible, and family-friendly, with ACROD parking and audio-described performances available.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025
Vespers: 6.15pm, Waylen Bay, Applecross
Sanctuary Within: 7.30pm, Goolugatup Lowerlands
Free community event
The Melville event forms part of the Fremantle Biennale’s SANCTUARY 25 program, which will run from 13 to 30 November 2025 across Fremantle, Melville and East Fremantle, featuring more than 90 events and performances.