2021 SA’s History Festival registrations now open

Event registrations are now open for South Australia’s History Festival, which will run next year from 1-30 May in 2021. The History Festival is an initiative of the History Trust of South Australia, which is celebrating its 40th birthday in 2021.

Hosting one or more events in the History Festival is a great way for organisations and communities to share their stories with locals and visitors alike.

The theme for next year’s festival is change, reflecting the historic moment we find ourselves in, as well as the changes for the History Festival in 2021, with events taking place both in person and online. The program guide will be digital-only, via the History Festival website, to allow for greater flexibility in changing times along with an extended registration period.

History Trust CEO Greg Mackie OAM said, ‘‘After a challenging year, people are looking to reconnect and South Australia’s History Festival provides a multitude of opportunities for communities to make connections, engage in important conversations about our past and future and share the ideas and stories that make us who we are.”

History Festival events come in all shapes and sizes, but most have smaller group sizes, allowing for more intimate, interactive and COVID-safe experiences.

“We are particularly looking for innovative, creative and surprising ways of sharing histories in all parts of the state. We are excited to see how our resilient communities respond creatively to challenging times.”

With overseas travel looking unlikely in 2021, the History Festival will give travellers the chance to explore South Australia and meet local experts in parts of the state they may not have visited before.

The popular Open Doors program will be back in 2021, inviting audiences to peek behind the doors of some of the state’s most intriguing places and spaces.

The 2019 History Festival program featured 695 events across the state presented by approximately 408 event organisers and drew a total of 158,500 attendances. It brought a vast range of engaging opportunities for South Australians to immerse themselves in history. From performances, exhibitions and behind-the-scenes tours to thought-provoking talks, bus and bike tours to bushwalks and in venues ranging from galleries to graveyards, the events are always fascinating.

Although the 2020 festival was cancelled, the 2021 festival will go ahead, with event organisers encouraged where possible to turn to online delivery should restrictions prevent in-person events.

By taking part, organisers will get a dedicated listing in the official History Festival digital program and access to additional promotional tools and support. To be part of the 2021 History Festival, register your event by Monday 1 March 2021. South Australia’s History Festival 2021 will run from 1-30 May.

Contact the SA History Festival team for any questions about future events.