Fred Gesha is a proud Meriam man on his father's side with family from Mer (Murray) Island in the Torres Strait and his mother is from Ambae in Vanuatu.
Fred has spent many years working in the Arts, having began his career as a teacher… Fred has a diploma in music, recording language and studying music finding his way within the Arts community and now has a Masters of Fine Arts.
Fred has worked many roles around Australia but now lives and works in Melbourne and works as the First Peoples Arts festivals and events and looks after first nations events including St Kilda Festival and St Kilda Film Festival.
Australia’s popular free music festival, St Kilda Festival, is returning on 17 -18 February 2024, presenting the most exciting line-up of Australian musicians across multiple stages on the St Kilda Foreshore and beyond.
Presented by the City of Port Phillip, the 43rd St Kilda Festival will once again showcase an extensive line-up of First Peoples' talent on Saturday, followed by the traditional Big Festival Sunday, after attracting an impressive 375,000 festivalgoers in 2023.
Headliners for Big Festival Sunday (18 February) include popular electronica, hip hop and indie-pop musician from Brisbane, Mallrat and the much-loved Sydney electronic musical duo Bag Raiders.
The First Peoples First day on Saturday (17 February) will be headlined by renowned neo-soul artist Mo’Ju.
Also returning to both Saturday and Sunday of the Festival is Singing Our Futures, presented by the Archie Roach Foundation. The program is a mentoring experience centred around helping up and coming First Nations artists on their song writing and recording. An additional 60+ acts playing across the Festival weekend will be announced on 17 January, along with the full program.
The annual and hotly contested New Music Competition, which recognises the importance of offering platforms to emerging musicians, will take place on Sunday. Presented by JBL, the winner will receive $5K and a spot on the Main Stage of St Kilda Festival in 2025.
Multiple stages will take over St Kilda for Big Festival Sunday, including the O’Donnell Gardens Stage with dedicated family programming, workshops and activations.
The best of Australian live music will be showcased at the Main Stage on South Beach Reserve, as well as the Triangle Stage, Cointreau Summer Stage (18+), and the Locals Stage at Acland Plaza. Roving performers and buskers will also entertain throughout the precinct.
St Kilda Festival Lead Sullivan Patten said: “St Kilda Festival continues to support the Australian music industry, while creating an unforgettable experience for festivalgoers. It’s great to see the community come together for a diverse day out which has something for everyone.”
City of Port Phillip Mayor, Heather Cunsolo said: “We are excited St Kilda Festival is returning in 2024 to celebrate Australian music in Victoria’s first Live Music Precinct. Our beautiful beachside neighbourhood is ready to welcome visitors and locals for a weekend of festivities, music and family fun.”
St Kilda Festival’s diverse program features live Australian music, dance performances, workshops, sports demonstrations, community group activities, food and market stalls, extended business trading, roving entertainment and a dedicated family-friendly stage. Renowned as one of Australia’s largest and longest-running free music and cultural events, the Festival brings significant economic benefits to St Kilda while celebrating and promoting Australian talent.
The Festival has seen many formats since its inception more than 40 years ago, regularly attracting more than 400,000 visitors to the foreshore.
St Kilda Festival Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 February 2024 Full program to be announced on 17 January St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds, St Kilda stkildafestival.com.au Image credits: Top: Josh Braybrook, Bottom: Monique Pizzica