As the sun sets over Perth, families gather at Kings Park, mesmerised by a giant golden orb that casts radiant beams into the twilight sky. The spectacle, named Karla Bidi—meaning “fire trail” in Noongar—marks the commencement of the 2026 Perth Festival. This stunning light and sound installation, which draws inspiration from the ancient practice of lighting campfires along the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), serves as a poignant reminder of community and cultural heritage.
A Trail of Connection
Karla Bidi comprises eleven impressive installations that stretch from Mandoon (Guildford) to Walyalup (Fremantle), creating a luminous pathway that connects various communities along the river. Each installation is accompanied by a 15-minute sound track, performed and written in Noongar by artists Ilona McGuire and Ian Wilkes. The lyrics, which speak of loss and resilience, resonate deeply: “The sky is bleeding. We can no longer see the stories the stars tell us.” Yet it concludes on a hopeful note, celebrating the enduring presence of stories within us all.
In light of recent events, including the tragic attack at an Invasion Day rally last month, the themes of belonging and connection depicted in Karla Bidi take on added significance. “From a bird’s eye view, you see these symbolic fires all along the river,” notes McGuire. “It’s a symbol of belonging.” This installation not only illuminates the physical landscape but also rekindles the spiritual ties that bind the community to the river.
Artistic Director’s Vision
Karla Bidi sets an inspiring tone for artistic director Anna Reece’s second programme at the Perth Festival, which celebrates its seventh decade as Australia’s longest-running arts festival. This year’s focus on the Derbarl Yerrigan underscores the river’s pivotal role in shaping the city’s narrative and cultural fabric. The festival showcases an array of artistic endeavours, from riverside performances to installations that enhance the riverbanks, all aimed at bringing people together.
One standout project, A View from the Bridge, invites attendees to engage in unexpected conversations through red telephones installed on city bridges. British artist Joe Bloom has brought this innovative concept to Perth, where participants converse with strangers across the city, sharing their stories and experiences.
Personal Stories Shared
At Kings Park’s treetop walkway, Bloom interviewed Noongar cultural leader Dr Richard Walley, who passionately recounted the history of his people and their connection to the river. “They spoke about us, they spoke to us, they spoke for us,” he said, reflecting on the historical narrative imposed on Indigenous Australians. “Now we’re speaking for ourselves.” His family history is deeply intertwined with the river, a place where his ancestor Yellagonga met colonial governor Capt James Stirling amidst a backdrop of violence and dispossession.
Further along the Boorloo Bridge, the emotional weight of personal narratives unfolds as participants like Yvonne Armarego share their intimate experiences. Armarego opened up about the loss of her first child, Theo, and the legacy he leaves behind. “It’s really nice to know that he’s physically living on somewhere else,” she shared, demonstrating the power of storytelling as a means of connection and healing.
A Portrait of the City
At the Avon River’s suspension bridge, Jarred Casey shared his journey of transformation while cradling his daughter, Elsie. “Before, I was serving time, but then this one come along and my whole thinking changed,” he said, illustrating the profound impact of fatherhood on his life. Each of these conversations, though fleeting, constructs a fragmented yet compelling portrait of Perth, revealing the complexities of grief, joy, and connection that dwell within the community.
Bloom’s project, A View from a Bridge, captures these moments of shared humanity and will be featured on Instagram throughout the festival, inviting a broader audience to engage with the stories of Perth’s inhabitants.
Why it Matters
The Perth Festival 2026 is not just a celebration of art but a vital testament to the power of storytelling and cultural connection. Amidst the backdrop of recent societal challenges, the festival serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the narratives that bind communities together. As the city embraces its diverse heritage, the installations along the Derbarl Yerrigan remind us of our shared histories and the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding. The festival acts as a catalyst for reflection, healing, and unity, showcasing the enduring strength of human connection through art and storytelling.
