Join the street party in western Australia

If you like nothing more than celebrating in the streets with carnivals, street parties and festivals, then the Fremantle Festival in western Australia is not one to miss if you are planning a trip down under.

Not only a great escape from November's autumn weather, the festival is a cross-cultural celebration where holidaymakers can see music, dance, comedy, visual arts, street theatre and more.

First held in 1905, the festival, known as 'Freo', is based in the port town of Fremantle, just over the water from Perth's Swan River.

The city is historically cosmopolitan, thanks to its status as a landing point for migrants to the region over the centuries, and it is this colourful mix of cultures that the festival celebrates.

The main event of the festival is a carnival featuring street theatre, musicians, buskers, and a variety of special markets.

The music at the carnival will come from all over the world, with performances of Argentina's tango dance and music as well as Mexican mariachi music and brass bands.

Another highlight of the festival is the Lotterywest Street Parade, with floats, costumed performers and more music.

As well as the street parade there is also a day-long celebration of Aboriginal culture, which will feature a variety of food, arts and crafts at the Wardarnji Aboriginal Cultural Celebration.

On the last day of the Fremantle festival there will be a Bhangra street party, combining the sounds of Indian classical music with hip-hop, break-beat and Bollywood.

Freo takes place between November 17th and 26th 2006. For more information about the festival see www.fremantlefestivals.com

Other attractions in Fremantle include several beaches, a motor museum located in a heritage-listed building on the harbour, tours of its convict-era Fremantle Prison, dating from the 1850s, and the Western Australian Maritime Museum, located on the port.

For more information on the region, including accommodation see www.westernaustralia.com

Flights to Perth with Emirates flying from London Gatwick cost £577.10 per person departing November 11th 2006, via the website Expedia.co.uk. For more information see www.expedia.co.uk
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