It was exactly 50 years ago that Adelaide Festival Centre officially opened, with a concert performed to a full house in Festival Theatre.
The crowd rose to deliver a rapturous standing ovation, and after 50 years that applause and love of performance continues at Adelaide Festival Centre.
Tonight, 50 years on, we will celebrate with Adelaide Festival Centre's 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert.
The 50th anniversary celebrations don’t stop tonight. There are many special events happening throughout the year, read on for more and how you can be part of this milestone.
The First 50 Podcast
The First 50 Podcast — Episode 6: Anthony Steel & Douglas Gautier
In episode 6, our host Libby O’Donovan chats to Adelaide Festival Centre's first General Manager, Anthony Steel and current CEO and Artistic Director, Douglas Gautier AM, in celebration of 50 spectacular years of arts and culture.
![Anthony Steel AM Adelaide Festival Centres Former General Manager and Douglas Gautier AM Adelaide Festival Centre CEO Artistic Director Photo by Matt Turner 3](https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Anthony-Steel-AM-Adelaide-Festival-Centre%E2%80%99s-Former-General-Manager-and-Douglas-Gautier-AM-Adelaide-Festival-Centre-CEO-Artistic-Director-Photo-by-Matt-Turner-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=672&q=80&w=768 768w 672h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Anthony-Steel-AM-Adelaide-Festival-Centre%E2%80%99s-Former-General-Manager-and-Douglas-Gautier-AM-Adelaide-Festival-Centre-CEO-Artistic-Director-Photo-by-Matt-Turner-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=525&q=80&w=600 600w 525h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Anthony-Steel-AM-Adelaide-Festival-Centre%E2%80%99s-Former-General-Manager-and-Douglas-Gautier-AM-Adelaide-Festival-Centre-CEO-Artistic-Director-Photo-by-Matt-Turner-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=350&q=80&w=400 400w 350h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Anthony-Steel-AM-Adelaide-Festival-Centre%E2%80%99s-Former-General-Manager-and-Douglas-Gautier-AM-Adelaide-Festival-Centre-CEO-Artistic-Director-Photo-by-Matt-Turner-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=280&q=80&w=320 320w 280h)
The First 50 Podcast — Episode 5: Kate Ceberano
In episode 5, our host Libby O’Donovan chats to Australian music icon Kate Ceberano.
![IMG 0071 Edit Kate Colour Edit](https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/IMG_0071-Edit-Kate-Colour-Edit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=672&q=80&w=768 768w 672h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/IMG_0071-Edit-Kate-Colour-Edit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=525&q=80&w=600 600w 525h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/IMG_0071-Edit-Kate-Colour-Edit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=350&q=80&w=400 400w 350h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/IMG_0071-Edit-Kate-Colour-Edit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=280&q=80&w=320 320w 280h)
The First 50: Our 50th Anniversary Podcast
Hosted by the powerful and sassy Libby O'Donovan, The First 50 podcast series provides 12 snapshot moments that cover the Centre’s 50-year history.
![Libby 2560x1280](https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/People/libby-2560x1280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=672&q=80&w=768 768w 672h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/People/libby-2560x1280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=525&q=80&w=600 600w 525h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/People/libby-2560x1280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=350&q=80&w=400 400w 350h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/People/libby-2560x1280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=280&q=80&w=320 320w 280h)
Upcoming Shows & Events
![Untitled design 2](https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Shows/2023/01-Jan/Her-Majestys-Theatre-Guided-Tour/Untitled-design-2.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=672&q=80&w=768 768w 672h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Shows/2023/01-Jan/Her-Majestys-Theatre-Guided-Tour/Untitled-design-2.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=525&q=80&w=600 600w 525h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Shows/2023/01-Jan/Her-Majestys-Theatre-Guided-Tour/Untitled-design-2.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=350&q=80&w=400 400w 350h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Shows/2023/01-Jan/Her-Majestys-Theatre-Guided-Tour/Untitled-design-2.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=280&q=80&w=320 320w 280h)
Our Festivals
Program
Adelaide Guitar Festival features world-class guitarists coming together to deliver an exciting program of events.
![Princess bride in concert 2560x1280](https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Festivals/Guitar/princess-bride-in-concert-2560x1280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.677&fp-y=0.3848&h=672&q=80&w=768 768w 672h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Festivals/Guitar/princess-bride-in-concert-2560x1280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.677&fp-y=0.3848&h=525&q=80&w=600 600w 525h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Festivals/Guitar/princess-bride-in-concert-2560x1280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.677&fp-y=0.3848&h=350&q=80&w=400 400w 350h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Festivals/Guitar/princess-bride-in-concert-2560x1280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.677&fp-y=0.3848&h=280&q=80&w=320 320w 280h)
Celebrating 50 Years
Paolo Sebastian's stunning gown design for our 50th anniversary
South Australian atelier Paolo Sebastian has designed a stunning commemorative dress to mark the occasion.
![Paolo Vasileff Photo by Daniel Purvis](https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Paolo-Vasileff-Photo-by-Daniel-Purvis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=672&q=80&w=768 768w 672h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Paolo-Vasileff-Photo-by-Daniel-Purvis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=525&q=80&w=600 600w 525h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Paolo-Vasileff-Photo-by-Daniel-Purvis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=350&q=80&w=400 400w 350h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Paolo-Vasileff-Photo-by-Daniel-Purvis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=280&q=80&w=320 320w 280h)
A special collaboration with JamFactory to celebrate our 50th anniversaries
A special set of brooch designs by local artists from JamFactory are now available for purchase from Adelaide Festival Centre's Shop.
![Festival Centre Commission 10](https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Festival_Centre_Commission-10.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=672&q=80&w=768 768w 672h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Festival_Centre_Commission-10.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=525&q=80&w=600 600w 525h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Festival_Centre_Commission-10.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=350&q=80&w=400 400w 350h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Blog/Festival_Centre_Commission-10.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=280&q=80&w=320 320w 280h)
Donate to the Arts
Donate
Your generosity can revolutionise the way the arts are experienced and enrich our community. With your help, we can entertain, engage, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
![0 H1 A7503](https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Foundation/0H1A7503.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.44&fp-y=0.5044&h=672&q=80&w=768 768w 672h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Foundation/0H1A7503.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.44&fp-y=0.5044&h=525&q=80&w=600 600w 525h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Foundation/0H1A7503.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.44&fp-y=0.5044&h=350&q=80&w=400 400w 350h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Foundation/0H1A7503.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.44&fp-y=0.5044&h=280&q=80&w=320 320w 280h)
Buy a Seat
Buying a seat in Festival Theatre or Her Majesty's Theatre is a great way to honour a loved one or to mark a special occasion.
![The back of a chair in the Her Majesty's Theatre auditorium, with a plaque which reads 'Seat dedicated to to David Campbell O.A.M. Adelaide Festival Centre'](https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Venues/HerMaj-nude_Oaten-37.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=672&q=80&w=768 768w 672h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Venues/HerMaj-nude_Oaten-37.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=525&q=80&w=600 600w 525h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Venues/HerMaj-nude_Oaten-37.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=350&q=80&w=400 400w 350h, https://adelaidefestivalcentre.imgix.net/assets/volumes/images/Venues/HerMaj-nude_Oaten-37.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=280&q=80&w=320 320w 280h)