A Perth highway to be segmented off for a special ‘Highway to Hell’ event in tribute to AC/DC

It’s definitely a first for Perth Festival – and most likely a first in the world of music: an entire highway is to be segmented off for one day in tribute to Fremantle-born singer Bon Scott, who fronted Australian rock band AC/DC before his death in 1980.

Taking inspiration from the AC/DC song Highway to Hell will be the world’s longest stage and Perth’s playground for a day as the free event closes the 2020 Perth Festival.

Ten kilometres of open highway will become a closed space for all manner of art, music and entertainment on Sunday 1st March.

Canning Highway will be closed to vehicles from 1pm with roving performers, community choirs, food and market stalls set to operate at Tompkins Park and other key zones from 4pm.

Diverse local and international acts will be performing AC/DC songs from stages on the back of semi-trailers, with artists ranging from Finnish bluegrass band Steve’n’Seagulls and Japanese female trio Shonen Knife, to the WA Police Pipe Band, local rockers Amyl and the Sniffers, the Perth Symphony Orchestra.

‘Highway to Hell’ marks 40 years since the death of WA-raised rock legend Bon Scott, who grew up around Fremantle and went to gigs along Canning Highway as a youth.

People are invited to walk the route with the trucks, set up a picnic anywhere along the highway, or gather at one of four special activity and entertainment areas: the Canning Bridge Zone in Applecross, the Tompkins Park Zone in Alfred Cove, the Valley Zone in Palmyra, and the Rainbow Zone in East Freo and Freo centre.

Highway to Hell marks 40 years since the death of the WA-raised rock legend, who grew up around Fremantle and went to gigs along Canning Highway as a youth. Scott died in London on 19 February 1980, and his ashes were laid to rest at Fremantle Cemetery on 1 March.

Antonino Tati

‘Highway to Hell’ will take place along Canning Highway – from Canning Bridge to Fremantle Traffic Bridge – on Sunday 1st March. Key zones open at 3pm and entertainment starts at 4pm. For more information visit perthfestival.com.au.

Perth Festival runs from 7 February to 1 March. The full program is out on 31 October 2019.