Keep the summer vibes rolling into March with RTRFM’s Neon Picnic 2020

Keep the summer vibes rolling into March with RTRFM’s Neon Picnic 2020

Who says summer ends in February? Perth community radio station RTRFM is keeping the holiday vibes well and truly alive with the 2020 edition of Neon Picnic, a day on the green for all ages featuring live music, radio shows, entertainment, food trucks, bars and kids activities in Hyde Park. Best of all? It’s free. So whether you’re strapped for cash or fancy splurging on some bites and beverages, it’s a guaranteed good time at this all-day event.

Who’s playing?

Neon Picnic 2020 is boasting an impressive and diverse lineup of artists that will entertain audiences of all ages and persuasions. 

The Gemma Farrell Quintet: Creative, energetic and soulful jazz styles to take you through the afternoon.

Lucy Peach: Feminist folk-pop from a seriously talented Fremantle local backed by an award-winning band. 

The Tommyhawks: Energetic indie rock meets saxophones. This girls-only outfit plays with passion, combining a self-described “hatred of hairbrushes and love of VB”.

Rinehearts: A local trio belting out a powerful blend of garage, rock and pop punctuated by playful riffs and a healthy dose of reverb.

Rupert Guenther: A contemporary violinist who skilfully utilises loop pedals to create moving, original and authentic music drawing inspiration from a variety of eras. 

Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse: Acoustic duo Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse will perform a special Wanjoo welcome song in Noongar language, the tongue of the traditional owners of the land on which Perth stands. 

Watch RTRFM’s radio shows live

Along with the above performers to get you in the groove, RTRFM will broadcast its lineup of Saturday shows live from Neon Picnic with some special guests joining for the event.

11am to 1pm – Global Rhythm Pot: Listen to an eclectic mix of diverse sounds from around the world featuring everything from traditional folk music, afro-beat and latin swing to Baltic disco, experimental dance and Bollywood.

1pm to 3pm – Homegrown: Western Australian prides itself on being a breeding ground for musical talent. Homegrown highlights the best local acts and dishes up the latest news on the Perth music scene across a range of sounds and styles.

3pm to 5pm – Drastic on Plastic: This two-hour show puts the spotlight on the leading women in music from indie pop sensations to soulful crooners. Every genre is on the menu as the hosts pay homage to the best talent at home and abroad. 

What to eat and drink

What would an all-day park festival be without some first class beverages and chow? Neon Picnic will feature a licensed bar run by Alby Beer and Olive Grove Wines, while those with growing appetites will appreciate the eats provided by Curb Your Hunger and Twin Beaks Burgers. There will also be hot cuppas from Better Beans Coffee, sweet treats from Kuld Creamery and a range of baked goods prepared by RTRFM presenters as a fundraiser. Yum! 

Otherwise, bring along your own picnic food, pick a patch of grass and laze away the afternoon on your own supplies. It really is just a great chance to chill any way you like it.

Something for the kids

Those with little ones won’t be troubled to keep them entertained with a range of activities that kids will love. The Spaced Out team will be at Neon Picnic with bells on, providing a variety of arts and crafts activities along with their seriously cool Cardboard City. Cougar Morrison, a self-described “vision of old world Parisian cabaret, by way of Bowie”, will also be attending to host Drag Story Times for attendees of all ages. Dogs are more than welcome at this event, by the way, and if you don’t have one, that’s all the more reason to come and make some new four-legged friends.

Getting to Hyde Park from Fraser Suites

By public transport: Hop over to the other side of Adelaide Terrace and catch the 960 bus towards the CBD. Get off on Fitzgerald Street just after Bulwer Street and walk around 6 minutes to Hyde Park.

By taxi or rideshare: The journey takes just under 10 minutes outside of peak hour and is inexpensive assuming you aren’t caught in total gridlock.

By car: Parking is available but likely to be in demand on the day, so other modes of transport are recommended.

By foot: The walk from Fraser Suites to Hyde Park takes you through Perth CBD and Northbridge and takes 50 to 60 minutes.