The Adelaide Fringe is well and truly on its way back for another year, with the full program launching this morning at the Fringe warehouse. After guests were greeted by over 20 Fringe performers, inaugural Fringe ambassador Paul McDermott kicked off proceedings with a song.

Fringe Director Greg Clarke introduced the program for 2013 in all of its 930 event glory. For the first time at the Fringe, the 2013 program will feature a new section for children’s events and Fringe Weekly awards that go to the best events in each art-form to help audiences choose their events wisely. Considering that there are 114 cabaret shows, 32 circus and physical theatre shows, 107 theatre productions, 254 comedy shows, 25 dance shows, 7 film events, 197 music concerts and 105 art exhibitions, the guest judges have their work cut out for them deciding the winners each week.

Some of the standout shows on the 2013 program Clarke highlighted include the world premiere of circus show, Limbo, by the same creators of 2011 Fringe hit, Cantina, South American production Circolombia and award-winning show Freefall, by local company Gravity And Other Myths.

As always, comedy fans will be pleased with many of their favourite Fringe comedians returning for another helping, including Jimeoin, Judith Lucy, Denise Scott, Arj Barker, Danny Bhoy, Hannah Gadsby, Wil Anderson and Sam Simmons. Imports from the Uk include Ruby Wax, Stephen K Amos, Paul Foot and Sarah Millican, who has been dubbed as the funniest woman in Britain.

Key events for visual arts include McDermott’s first art exhibition, The Dark Garden and Fringe 2013 poster artist Andy Petrusevic‘s solo show Mitzi: Modern Icon.

Two new outdoor live music venues were also revealed, being Howl The Moon in Stepney and The Depot, which is on the site of the old bus depot on Grote and Franklin Streets. The Depot will host a Fringe closing night concert featuring Pete Murray, The Whitlams and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

This year punters can also be relieved that booking fees have been integrated into the advertised price, so there are no surprises when you’re just about to book a show. The public can now browse and purchase tickets for the full 930 event program online at adelaidefringe.com.au. A print version of the program will be available from Sat Jan 5.

Check out the Rip It Up TV episode of the Fringe opening parade last year below.

WHAT: Adelaide Fringe Festival
WHERE: Check website for full list of venues
WHEN: Fri Feb 15 – Sun Mar 17
OPENING: King William St from 8.30pm on Fri Feb 15