Stoked Festival to see Midland’s railway history come alive

Published on 20 March 2019

This April, the City of Swan will present Stoked Festival, an interactive and immersive event that pays homage to Midland’s Railway Workshop era with a visionary interpretation of life in the yards.

The festival marks a quarter of a century since tools at the historical Railway Workshops were downed for the final time.

A jam-packed line-up of eats, sights and sounds will bring Railway Square alive – including aerial acrobatics, modern-day metalwork demonstrations, stilt walkers and magnificent machine displays.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said the Midland Railway Workshops precinct has an important history and fascinating story to be told.

“The Midland Railway Workshops ran for nearly a century and played a major role in the development and maintenance of the State’s rail system,” he said.

“The City is very excited to introduce Stoked Festival to Railway Square, and provide an imaginative insight to the area’s past life as one of WA’s key rail industry sites.

“It is wonderful to see recognition of Midland’s proud and rich rail history.”

Midland/Guildford Ward Councillor Claire Scanlan said there will be something for everyone at the first-time festival.

“Midland is in for a real treat - with an incredible spectacle of immersive performance art on the Midland Gate Main Stage, a kid’s corner, chilled tunes, food and drinks at the Movida Estate Bar and Canteen and more,” she said.

“This really is an event that offers something for the whole community, so I encourage everyone – from the history buffs to the thrill-seekers - to come along and learn a bit more about the epic workshops era.”

Stoked Festival will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 12-9pm at Railway Square, Midland.

The event is completely free to enter and all activities and entertainment are also free.

A free shuttle bus will be running from Midland Trail Station and back all day, and there will be limited free parking onsite.

For more information about the event, visit www.stokedfestival.com.au.