Northshore makes its mark as an immersive entertainment hub and arts precinct for Brisbane

Open skies, wide waters and vast spaces is a source of inspiration and infinite possibility to artists. It offers the opportunity for unconfined artistic expression and freedom for creativity and experimentation. When Scott Maidment, the director and founder of leading Australian production company Strut & Fret, first connected with Northshore Brisbane, he too was inspired.

Adding his signature creative brushstrokes, Scott transformed a section of this riverfront canvas into Twilight Electric, an after-dark playground of magic and show biz entertaining audiences as part of Brisbane Festival’s 2022 program.

The Festival’s popular Spiegeltent returns to Brisbane and takes up residence in the heart of the Twilight Electric precinct as home to the jaw-dropping, adults-only cabaret, Blanc de Blanc Encore.

Popping up next door is the neon-lit Maho Magic Bar, a bespoke Japanese venue that combines cocktails with master magicians in a multi-sensory, immersive and interactive performance experience. “I was immediately drawn to Northshore Brisbane’s beautiful location on the river and the availability of space the precinct offered,” Scott said. “As a production company with a reputation for creating world-class events in dynamic environments which engage, enthrall and excite audiences, we were also keenly interested in the opportunity to put on an event in such a uniquely located precinct.”

Strut & Fret has brought the Spiegeltent to Brisbane Festival since 2007, filling the intimate venue with world-class programming. The lavish Spiegeltent with its carved wooden interior, stained glass windows, velvet and brocade booths and old-style bars takes up residence at Northshore Brisbane for the first time in the Festival’s history. “We look forward to welcoming the Spiegeltent to the banks of the Brisbane River for the ultimate five-star night-out,” Scott said.

“Brisbane Festival is the premiere arts event in this city and we have a long history with it stretching back to 1998. “The Festival is so special because people in the city who may never see a show during the year, will often get out and see something for BrisFest.”

A short stroll from Twilight Electric brings Festival patrons to an equally eye-catching Brisbane Festival experience: the return of 2021’s float-away hit, Brisbane’s Art Boat.

The celestial floating art experience features The Spheres, an installation by internationally renowned visual artist Lindy Lee, and an array of guest artists, performers and musicians disembarking Maritime Green for a series of voyages along the Brisbane River.

As the home of Brisbane’s Art Boat, Northshore Brisbane transforms into an immersive riverfront hub; the precinct coming to life as the sun sets with performances, a pop-up riverside bar and tasty eats. In addition to scheduled cruises, visitors of all ages can board the vessel and experience the stunning installation during free Open Sessions on Tuesday evenings throughout the Festival.

Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina said she was delighted to once again welcome Northshore Brisbane into the Festival fold as a major hub for arts and cultural experiences. She said Northshore Brisbane’s expansive riverfront location and versatility as a venue helped it seamlessly transform into an inner-city wonderland of immersive experiences, entertainment and discovery.

“The Brisbane River is a central character of the city and Brisbane’s Art Boat was created to celebrate and showcase our most defining landmark. The Northshore precinct is a unique riverside industrial playground that has enormous potential. Brisbane’s Art Boat, back for its second year will become synonymous with this fantastic part of our wonderful city.” Louise said.

“By once again creating a vibrant Festival hub at Northshore, we can spotlight a unique destination for audiences, give artists access to incredible venues and sites and find a sustainable and supportive new home for Brisbane Festival experiences.”

Twilight Electric and Brisbane’s Art Boat are the latest in a long line of premium and premiere experiences drawing visitors from across Brisbane and beyond to Northshore Brisbane’s dynamic riverfront precinct.

The city’s thriving new home for arts and entertainment has hosted Cirque du Soleil’s iconic blue-and-yellow striped Grand Chapiteau, the blockbuster Van Gogh Alive immersive exhibition, family favourite attractions Disney+ Drive-In and Pixar Putt, international dining sensation Diner en Blanc and Brisbane International Film Festival screenings.

Brisbane Festival delivers three weeks of wonder, delight and celebration from 2 – 24 September 2022.

For more information on Twilight Electric and Brisbane’s Art Boat and to purchase tickets, visit brisbanefestival.com.au.

Follow Northshore Brisbane on LinkedIn to learn more about the immersive experiences, activations and events taking place at Northshore Brisbane.