Mad March: Fears Superloop 500 twilight racing will ‘drown out’ Fringe Festival acts

A potential “Mad March” clash is looming between organisers of the Superloop 500 and the Adelaide Fringe Festival — forcing the State Government to seek urgent expert advice.

Arts organisers fear twilight racing noise will threaten East End acts including in the Garden of Unearthly Delights. Picture: Mike Burton/ AAP

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A potential Mad March noise clash is looming between organisers of the Superloop 500 and the Adelaide Fringe Festival amid fears twilight motor racing will disrupt arts shows.

South Australian motorsport fans will enjoy an extra three hours and 15 minutes of evening racing around the eastern parklands track later this month.

But a scheduling conflict has left arts organisers concerned that car noise will drown out Fringe performances in the adjacent East End.

Industry figures said concerns centred on the “clash of noise” in show tents — meaning audiences may not be able to adequately hear performers.

There is three hours and 15 minutes extra twilight racing at this year’s Adelaide 500 event. Picture: Sarah Reed

The Sunday Mail has learned artistic concerns were voiced to the State Government a fortnight ago before authorities agreed to seek urgent expert noise advice.

Sound engineers this week told the South Australian Tourism Commission that race noise levels in the East End should remain between 60 and 70 decibels — the equivalent of “cafe conversations” and regular road traffic volume.

Festival organisers, however, remain fearful performances, including in the Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, will be unnecessarily threatened.

In a statement, the Fringe’s boss, Heather Croall, said the twilight racing “may pose a clash” with East End arts events.

“We hope disruption caused by the noise is minimal for the events nearby,” she said.

“Adelaide Fringe is talking with all event organisers to make the Mad March period as successful as possible for all involved.”

In 2012, a scheduling mix-up caused car noises to interrupt an Adelaide Festival concert in Elder Park by famed Italian composer Ennio Morricone, 90, forcing then Premier Jay Weatherill to intervene.

Italian composer Ennio Morricone conducting Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at Elder Park in 2012.

Former Premier Jay Weatherill was forced to intervene after motoracing noise disrupted the Festival concert

After that debacle, the Major Events Group was formed to improve “co-ordination” between the SATC and officials from the Fringe, Festival, Womad, motorsport, Adelaide Oval, and the Adelaide City Council.

It is understood the Superloop 500 twilight race timings were raised at a September 20 MEG meeting last year before a draft schedule was distributed to members a week later.

But amid concerns of “vague” information, East End identities say they were unaware of any possible conflict until last month when the schedule was announced.

Gluttony owner, Daniel Michael, said he had been assured noise after the 6.45pm twilight race finishes will be “minimal”, adding: “We look forward to working closely with all the event organisers in the planning phase for next season.”

Fringe boss Heather Croall hope noise disruption is minimal for the nearby events. Picture: supplied

Tourism Minister David Ridgway said improved communication will be taken into account: Joel Roosa Photography

Tourism Minister David Ridgway, who was informed about the concerns in the past fortnight, said both events were “valued contributors”.

“Organisers of both events are in regular contact with each other throughout the year,” he said.

“We look forward to a successful season for both events and, if there are any ways of improving communication and scheduling in the future, then I’m sure organisers will take that into account.”