As the longest night of the year approaches so too does Melville Midwinter – the City of Melville’s annual performance and arts event honouring the Noongar season of Makuru and the unruly beauty of Perth winters.
Set against the shores of Dyoondalup Point Walter, this year’s free, family-friendly Midwinter event will be held on Saturday, 20 June 2026, with music, dance, community poetry, shadow puppetry and more, all unfolding under the dark winter evening.
Curated as an intimate and immersive experience, the night will come alive with crackling fires, lantern‑lit paths, and nourishing food, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the community.
Acclaimed Western Australian songwriter and musician Peter Bibby leads the 2026 program as Musical Director, shaping the soundscape for the evening and guiding audiences through a rich musical journey.
This year’s lineup of musicians includes the likes of Carla Geneve, Nelson Mondlane, and Emily Barker. The finale will see Bibby take to the stage himself, performing alongside some of the night’s musicians to close the event.
Bibby said the event is a powerful way to connect with the community and for the artists to approach their work with fresh intention.
“In terms of artistic direction, I’m really drawn to the idea of rebirth and new beginnings that winter can represent. It’s about finding warmth in a cold world. I imagine the experience like a heavy storm that passes through, and then suddenly lifts, leaving everything altered and renewed.”
“We have handpicked an incredible mix of local artists whose work will resonate with both curious newcomers and the most discerning punters. For anyone familiar with my own music, they can expect to hear a selection of songs reimagined in a completely new way. And beyond the performances, there’s something truly special about stepping out of winter hibernation and into Dyoondalup Point Walter, with beautiful lighting, sound and atmosphere creating an immersive experience for all ages.”
Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic, or a favourite mug and enjoy the hearty soup and hot drinks on offer while they take in the roving acts.
As the sun sets, lanterns draw audiences to make their way up the hill, and meander through a curious trail of performance stations.
City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair said Melville Midwinter remains a much‑loved community event, bringing people together through shared experiences of place and performance.
“Melville Midwinter offers a unique opportunity for our community to gather and experience winter in a new way,” Mayor Mair said.
“It’s a cherished part of the Melville calendar - celebrating local artists, honouring the Noongar season of Makuru, and reminding us of the power of coming together through culture, even on the longest night of the year.”
Creative Producer Zoe Atkinson said the 2026 program has been designed to gently shift expectations of a winter event.
“Melville Midwinter is about opening ourselves to winter, rather than bracing against it. This year’s event invites audiences into something intimate and unexpected - an evening that reframes winter as a time for connection, creativity and shared joy.”
A dance station choreographed by award-winning contemporary dancer Brooke Leeder will invite movement and reflection.
Noongar cultural educators and artists Rickeeta and Alton Walley return to Melville Midwinter with their evocative shadow puppetry, weaving story through light, movement and imagination.
Ballardong Noongar writer and educator Casey Mulder will pen a specially commissioned piece for the event, anchoring the evening with language that reflects place, season and gathering.
The event is free and accessible. Attendees are encouraged to wrap up warm and make themselves at home on the hill with friends and family.
Melville Midwinter will take place from 5.00pm to 8.00pm at Dyoondalup Point Walter Reserve on Saturday, 20 June 2026.
For more information, including the full program visit www.melvillecity.com.au/midwinter.
Featured Performers
Carla Geneve
Known for her emotive songwriting and raw, captivating performances, Carla Geneve brings an intimate musical presence to Melville Midwinter, pairing lyricism with a deep sense of atmosphere suited to the winter setting.
Nelson Mondlane
An artist whose work spans rhythm, storytelling and cultural expression, Nelson Mondlane’s performance draws on connection, memory and movement, offering audiences a powerful and grounding experience.
Emily Barker
With a reputation for poetic songwriting and beautifully restrained performances, Emily Barker’s music brings warmth and quiet emotional resonance, perfectly complementing the reflective tone of the evening.
Peter Bibby
One of WA’s most distinctive musicians, Peter Bibby shapes the musical arc of Melville Midwinter as Musical Director before stepping into the spotlight for the finale, closing the night with a shared musical moment.
EVENT SCHEDULE
5.00pm to 8.00pm at Dyoondalup Point Walter Reserve on Saturday, 20 June 2026.