The Baysie Arts & Street Fest

Students and teachers from three local schools collaborated with local artists from WizznBang to create and display over 300 paper lanterns. The lanterns formed items that told the story of Bayswater’s history and its connection to the Swan River. 

Led by band Junkadelic, the lanterns were paraded from Veitch Street through the town centre to Bert Wright Park, to the festival’s finale. The parade was followed by musical performances and a pyrotechnics display to close the festival.

Held in partnership with the Bayswater Historical Society, actor and Baysie local Monica Main led a free heritage walking tour, revealing the stories and characters of Bayswater, and identifying buildings of historical significance. 

Attendees were invited to scan QR codes on heritage heart stickers placed around Bayswater to see the original images of the buildings alongside the present day homes and businesses the buildings have now become. 

The Baysie Rollers collaborated with a wide range of community groups to keep kids entertained on the day. Activities included tiny tots tennis at Bert Wright Park, a have-a-go session with the Baysie Bears Junior Football (AFL) Club, an interactive display by the Maylands Meccano Club, a goal shooting competition by the Bayswater City Soccer Club, the Bendigo Bank "mini bank", colouring-in competition and giant games. 

Roaming performers and plenty of fairground rides and attractions also kept families busy. 

There was heaps of local live music on the day, including pop-up performances on residents' front verandahs, lawns and on the footpaths along Murray and Veitch Streets, These 'unplugged' performances were inspired by the historic Pineapple Inn, a popular gathering place in the early history of Bayswater and Maylands that had a New Orleans French Quarter 'walk through' style.

Hosted by the Bayswater Historical Society, the Bureau of Found Objects focused on the items hiding in everyday Bayswater that make up the area's history. Residents were invited to share stories of their 'found objects' and the "Antiques Roadshow" sessions discussed how people begin collecting, and of course, whether items were rare or precious! 

Riverside Gardens in the heart of Bayswater is Perth's largest off-lead dog park, so people love bringing their dogs to Baysie! To celebrate our canine companions, the festival included a dog show, dog rescue opportunities and a range of dog merchandise available to purchase.

Local Elder Alan Kickett told stories of his history, and partnered with the Madjitil Moorna Choir, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, and a massed choir featuring students from Hillcrest, St Columba and Bayswater Primary Schools to sing First Nations songs. 

Free workshops run by local creatives on the day included lessons in drumming, ukulele and upcycling. People of all ages were also invited to get arty by adding to a mural in the town centre by international artist and sculptor, Len Zuks. 

Presented by Bendigo Community Bank Bayswater, local artists and their artworks were showcased in an exhibition on the day. A live graffiti art installation also saw art come together in real time across the day, painted on the side of 83 Whatley Crescent.