West Fest Unveiled | West Test & WBBL Festival Perth

WEST FEST TO UPGRADE ‘ASHES SUMMER’ WITH SPORT, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

As the cricket world turns its gaze to Perth this November, West Fest promises to do more than just celebrate cricket—it aims to transform the DBA West Test into a cultural extravaganza blending sport, arts, food, and community spirit. From the historic NRMA Insurance West Test at Perth Stadium to a Big Bash WBBL fixture at the revamped WACA and a family festival at Burswood Park, West Fest will showcase what it means to be "West Aussie".

A new chapter: Ashes game debuts in Perth Stadium

For the first time in 43 years, the Ashes series will open not in Brisbane but in Perth—a landmark moment for Western Australian cricket. The West Test (21–25 November) will be funded by Cricket Australia and backed by the WA Government, drawing massive crowds from across the state, interstate, and even the UK. Cricket Australia’s Joel Morrison described the synergy behind West Fest as a vibrant celebration that will elevate the cricket experience and broader cultural engagement.

Sporting spectacles off the field

West Fest’s appeal lies in its multi-venue design:

• Perth Stadium hosts the headline attraction—the West Test.

• After play on Day 2, fans can stroll across Matagarup Bridge to WACA Ground for a thrilling Weber WBBL match featuring the Perth Scorchers—complete with innovative extras like a pitch-side pool and waterslides.

• A few strolls away in Burswood Park, the WA Day Festival will light up the weekend with free live music, rides, markets, fireworks, and community activities during Days 2 and 3 of the Test.

This weekend of festivity is a central piece of the WA Government’s 2025 events strategy—an initiative to bolster tourism, community engagement, and economic impact through around-the-clock attractions.

Showcasing the best of WA lifestyle

West Fest isn’t just about sport—it’s an immersive experience showcasing Perth’s sunshine, coastline, vibrant food scene, microbreweries, and premium wineries. The festival aims to highlight both urban attractions and authentic West Australian culture. Families and international visitors are promised a unique blend of cricketing fever and cultural iconography, a perfect way to kick off the summer.

Innovation in cricket and entertainment

The post-Day 2 WBBL fixture at the WACA is more than a crossover—it’s a revival of a cricketing landmark. The WACA pitch is legendary for pace and bounce, riding the "Fremantle Doctor" sea breezes, making it an ideal stage for high-powered T20 action.

Perth Scorchers General Manager Jess Keily emphasized that West Fest is about celebrating West Australians' love for sport and community—and that the newly revived WACA pool and activations will usher in next-level fan engagement.

A boost for tourism and the local economy

Tourism Minister Reece Whitby and Sport Minister Rita Saffioti jointly champion West Fest as a strategic win: the Ashes opener is a marquee event, but West Fest offers additional activation points driving UK tourist attendance, economic infusions, and community experience.

“This is about more than cricket,” Saffioti noted—it’s about starting the Ashes series off with community flair, making it more than a sporting beginning but a festival atmosphere that reverberates across the city . Tourism WA highlighted how this aligns with their push for “year-round event vibrancy”.

Early successes and momentum

Strong demand signals fans are eager for West Fest. CA reports that over 57,000 Ashes tickets were snapped up in pre‑sale, and general public sales begin June 13 . Morrison advises swift action to avoid missing out on one of the most exciting cricket summers in years.

What’s next: planning and participation

West Fest is scheduled for 21–25 November 2025, across Perth Stadium, WACA, and Burswood Park. Cricket.com.au will provide updates on scheduling, ticketing, and hospitality options. Fans can expect updates on music acts, food vendors, and cultural programming closer to the date.

Perth Stadium’s event infrastructure—enhanced public transport, precinct access, and catering—is being fine-tuned to support this multi-faceted event .

Final word: West Fest redefines Ashes culture

West Fest is a bold reimagining of cricket’s summer culture in Perth. Less a single event and more a multi-venue celebration, it offers sport, entertainment, and culture as a unified community festival. Whether you're a cricket fanatic, a music lover, or a foodie, West Fest promises to transform the Ashes opener into an enduring shared experience—and a blueprint for future multi-sport moments.