Fremantle set to party like it's the 80s

Fremantle is preparing for some family-friendly fun to mark the 40th anniversary of Australia II’s famous America’s Cup win on 26 September 1983 – and the changes that came to Fremantle four years later when the America’s Cup race was held down under.

From the centre of Freo, to Fishing Boat Harbour and Victoria Quay, there will be a colourful array of activities leading up to and across the King’s Birthday Long Weekend, delivered by the City of Fremantle with the support of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Rolling out from 13 September, the Cappuccino Strip will shimmer with 2.5 kilometres of green and gold bunting, and street pole wraps will give people a chance to uncover the changes that came to Fremantle with the Cup.  Planter boxes will be decorated and themed banners and flags will line both sides of South Terrace. 

The City’s historians will dig into the archives to present a display of America’s Cup photography and memorabilia in Walyalup Koort.

Local businesses are being encouraged to join the festivities with window displays and 80s-themed menu specials.

Fishing Boat Harbour, which played a significant role in the defence of the Cup in 1987, will be involved with some family-friendly activities, an al fresco bar and live music.

Best of all, there will be 1,000 free ice creams for kids from Fremantle’s many ice cream shops, delivered as part of a City of Fremantle activation.

The Australia II: 40 Years On exhibition opens at the WA Maritime Museum on Saturday 9 September.  There will be free entry to the Museum from Saturday 23 to Tuesday 26 September.

On Sunday 24 September the WA Government will be holding a free, all-age anniversary concert from 2pm at Victoria Quay, culminating in a unique drone show produced by the Fremantle Biennale. More information is available at australia2.com.au

After the show, concert-goers are invited to enjoy the rest of their night in any of the bars and restaurants throughout Fremantle.

City of Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the 40th anniversary celebrations were an opportunity to reflect on the impact the America’s Cup had on the city.

“It is still one of the greatest moments in sport.  Everyone of a certain age remembers the incredible excitement of the America’s Cup wins.

“After the euphoria of the 1983 victory, came a realisation that the port city had to smarten itself up to host the world’s most glamorous yacht race. 

“It had a major influence on the appearance and built form of Fremantle. Many of the heritage buildings received a facelift through projects that were fast-tracked.  Up until recently, this period in the 80s was Fremantle’s biggest period of investment in revitalisation.

“Hosting the race in 1987 put Fremantle on the map and formed part of our identity that still exists to this day,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

For more information go to visitfremantle.com.au

Image: Australian team marching in an America's Cup parade on South Terrace in 1987. Supplied by Fremantle History Centre.