ADELAIDE FESTIVAL CENTRE WALK OF FAME NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

The spotlight is on! South Australians are invited to cast their votes and play a part in selecting the next luminaries to be immortalised on the Walk of Fame at Adelaide Festival Centre.

The shortlist comprises 12 outstanding performers, musicians, dancers, comedians and directors who graced the stages of Adelaide Festival Centre during its momentous 50th anniversary year in 2023. Public voting is now live online for you to have your say! 

Among the nominees are revered figures, such as iconic Australian musician and television personality Delta Goodrem AM, recognised for Innocent Eyes anniversary tour, ARIA-chart topper Russel Morris AM for The Real Thing, Harry Connick Jr. for Black Live, and Adelaide Cabaret Festival artistic director (2019 & 2023) for RocKwiz Salutes Adelaide. 

Local luminaries receiving nominations include Tilda Cobham-Hervey for her portrayal in the world premiere of State Theatre Company’s The Dictionary of Lost Words, Adelaide Cabaret Festival Icon award-winner Libby O’Donovan, OzAsia comedic star Jason Chong, and internationally-acclaimed Hans for his dazzling Disco Spektakular tour in 2023. 

The roster continues with Australian Ballet principal artist Jill Ogai, celebrated for her portrayal of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Chris Drummond for his directorial prowess in Brink Productions’ Symphonie De La Bicyclette, Nancy Bates for her soul-stirring performance in Still Talking ‘Bout A Revolution, and Chris Finnen for his world-class blues extravaganza at Adelaide Guitar Festival. 

“This year’s Walk of Fame nominees represent the calibre and variety of artists and creatives who performed here in 2023,” says Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM. “The Walk of Fame connects our venues along the riverbank and the Festival Plaza precinct and celebrates Adelaide Festival Centre’s rich history – which I 2023, celebrated a milestone 50 years.”

Each year, three stars are added to the walkway, with two stars selected by Adelaide Festival Centre Trust and a panel of arts critics. Last year, Patti Newton AM was honoured with the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust’s choice for the Walk of Fame for her performance of Bird Woman in Marry Poppins.  

Chosen stars will join the esteemed ranks of more than 130 luminaries whose names began adorning the walkway overlooking the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri in 1973. Past recipients include William Barton, Annette Shun Wah, Billy Crystal, Cold Chisel, Olivia Newton-John, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Dami Im, Tim Minchin, Paul Kelly, Guy Sebastian, Archie Roach, Beccy Cole, Kate Cebrano and Tina Arena.  

“The Walk of Fame at Adelaide Festival Centre is a fantastic way to honour South Australia’s proud history of having legendary artists perform there,” says Minister for Arts, Andrea Michaels MP. “I look forward to seeing who the public vote for 2023 goes to!” 

 To vote, head online to the Adelaide Festival website here. Voting closes February 25.