WAHonk 2027

Dear Friends and Bandmates,

Who’s up for a trip west in April 2027?

Ken Allen and the Junkadelic crew are plotting the return of WAHonk next year, along with a WAHonk Showcase at the newly-revamped Fairbridge Folk Festival.

I know it's a long way off, BUT - to help make it a reality Ken and the Junkadelic crew are hoping we can marshall an east coast mega band; if we can guarantee numbers now the organisers will spring into action organising grants funding and accommodation options so we can be part of a WAHONK showcase at Fairbridge Festival (9-11th April), followed a week later by WAHONK itself, in Perth and Fremantle (16-18th April).

WAHonk! Fest ’27 is ON — Head West with Us! Pack your brass, drums, and dancing shoes — WAHonk Fest is returning on Sunday, 18 April 2027! Following right on the heels of Fairbridge Festival, this is set to create a massive national street-music corridor in Western Australia. WAHonk! Fest ’27 is a 100% free, un-ticketed, and fully accessible street-band celebration of acoustic brass, percussion, global rhythms, and community street culture. We’ll be bringing together 150+ musicians for busking hub activations, open rhythm workshops, interactive jams, and a massive "All-In" street parade!

Here's the pitch:-

We are building on our interstate travel & accommodation partnerships to help get eastern states HONK bands across the country. Come be part of the noise, colour, and community energy in WA!

WAHonk! Fest :- Fri 16th and Sat 17th - Lead-up events and workshops in Perth CBD. Sun 18th - WAHonk Festival Hub: Walyalup / Fremantle, Western Australia, including Walyalup Koort (Main civic square & performance hub); Esplanade Park (Green space, workshops & massed gatherings); Surrounding pedestrian precincts (Roving street routes and busking locations connecting Walyalup Koort and Esplanade Park toward Clancy's Fish Pub).

Fairbridge Festival is held in Fairbridge, just shy of 100km south of Perth CBD, Friday 9th to Sunday 11th April. Applications are now closed for Fairbridge Festival, but Ken has the go-ahead for a WAHonk Showcase at the festival - as long as he can get a critical mass of performers there. The plan is for “pop-up” impromptus throughout the weekend, as well as some featured, scheduled shows.

Logistics and funding support details to be determined as soon as we can say we have a band! Ken is planning to apply for funding from both Fremantle and Perth City Councils to subsidise accommodation options - incl. booking out Backpackers hostel with 30 beds in Freo; and approx. 10-12 billets to be provided by the Junkadelic community. Ken’s hoping to beg/borrow/hire camping gear for the week in between for those who might have trouble affording hotels for the entire time. As per last WAHonk Ken will also chase funding to support (some) travel costs and direct as much as he can to supporting the East coast contingent.

But first up:- Can we get your commitment ASAP? Jump on this EOI form:

EOI - April 2027 trip to WA for WAHonk! And Fairbridge Festivals