Hobart warms to a bright red glow as Dark Mofo hits full swing

OUT of winter’s chill and darkness has come a bright red glow that will for the next week bathe Hobart in its warmth.

OUT of winter’s chill and darkness has come a bright red glow that will bathe Hobart in warmth for the next week.

Dark Mofo’s coveted Winter Feast and Dark Park finally opened their doors to the patient public on Friday night, with more than 20,000 people expected to flock to two of the festival’s most popular events. The Princes Wharf 1 area was alive with fire pits, red lights and heartwarming food during last night’s Winter Feast, with about 80 stallholders offering a range of quality, ethically sourced Tasmanian produce.

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Inside the shed for the first night of the Winter Feast. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

At Macquarie Point people arrived in huge numbers to see an array of installations, lasers and fire at Dark Park.

Popular events included Matthew Schreiber’s laser installation Leviathan, United Visual Artists’ light and sound installation Musical Universalis and Dark Bar.

The after-hours neighbourhood Night Mass also began last night with five venues and two outdoor spaces in Murray and Liverpool streets offering dance, electronic, rock’n’roll, misty archways and car bars, dance, DJs and classical music.

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People start arriving at the entrance to the Winter Feast. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Friends Vira Koshkina and Kirill Kliavin came to Hobart from Melbourne for just one night to attend the festival. They took in the Winter Feast, Dark Park and Night Mass last night before flying back to Melbourne today.

“We have been to Mona and heard great things about Dark Mofo so we wanted to come down,” Mr Kliavin said. “It’s really cool how the whole city is transformed with the festival and all the lights.”

Friends Vira Koshkina and Kirill Kliavin, from Melbourne, are visiting Hobart for Dark Mofo and attended the first night of the Winter Feast at PW1. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Dark Mofo marketing director Nicole Smith said most of the festival’s interstate and overseas visitors came to Hobart for more than a night, but was thrilled that people were making special visits to the festival.

“I think this says the demand is high and that we have a really unique offering … that envelops the city,” she said.

“It takes in the whole city so it’s hard not to be part of it.”

Ms Smith said about 10,000 people would attend the feast last night, with 10,000-12,000 roaming Dark Park.

For more information head to darkmofo.net.au

Performer Betty Grumble is part of the entertainment at the Winter Feast. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES