Artists ready for the limelight at the Taste of Tasmania

The entertainment as this summer’s Taste of Tasmania will feature more than 700 local artists showcasing the state’s best emerging talent.

Felicity Horsley, of Hobart, will be part of the Taste’s free entertainment program. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

A TASMANIAN circus performer says a change to Taste of Tasmania programming to create a fresh feel means audiences are in for something extra special.

Having performed for 22 years across the globe and at the Taste before, Felcity Horsley said she will perform a full-length stage show at the Taste for the first time.

“I’ve been involved before as part of the roving entertainment team but a curated act is something else,” said Ms Horsley, of Hobart.

“I’m really excited about this.”

Her show, Pandora’s Monster, is an interactive children’s theatre show raising awareness about the impact of plastic.

This year, Taste features a whopping 710 local artists and 225 activities and performances over the seven-day festival. It starts on December 28. The full line-up of free entertainment was announced today.

“I want people to come and enjoy all the free entertainment, it’s a huge program,” entertainment producer Sam Cole said.

The free program’s four stages are set across three main entertainment precincts: The Lawns, The Marketplace and The Atrium. The family-friendly program includes a variety of activities and performance styles suited to all ages. Cabaret, choir, live comedy, street, circus, community song and dance, workshops and a rocking live music line-up will entertain crowds day and night.

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Mr Cole said much like the food and beverage offering at the festival, celebration of community was a key theme with the entertainment program.

“This year we are focusing on the stories within our community,” he said.

“We have searched every corner of the state to put together a program that is proudly Tasmanian and shows the strong community spirit that makes us identifiably who we are.”

The sounds of the state’s best and brightest emerging musicians, including Celeste, Madi Mega Talent, The Moonshine Collective, will be heard in the afternoons, as well as local storytellers spinning yarns before a headline music act lights up the stage.

The special opening night show features 12 Aboriginal performers who will present a special 90 minute showcase of spoken word and song.

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For details go to www.thetasteoftasmania.com.au