- Free community festival combines the West Test, Perth Scorchers Women's Big Bash League match and WA Day Festival
- Thousands of out-of-state visitors arrive in Perth for the iconic Ashes Test between Australia and England
- Event forms part of the Cook Government's strategy to foster a vibrant community and diversify the economy so it remains strongest in the nation
Thousands of visitors travelling to Perth for the start of the Ashes series - the greatest rivalry in world cricket - will be treated to a celebration of cricket and culture through the West Fest.
The free festival is designed to enhance the fan experience across the opening Test of the 2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men's Ashes series, and will feature live sport, music, food, cultural experiences, and more.
Supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, the West Fest will take place from 21-25 November 2025, offering fan activations including:
- The West Test Fan Festival outside Perth Stadium from 21-25 November, with music, fan giveaways and activations including a bowling simulator, an inflatable Ashes urn, and a WA inspired pop-up beach, plus much more;
- Pair'd pop-up activation: A taste of the Margaret River Region at Perth Stadium from 21-24 November, where fans can enjoy the best of the region's world-class wine and gourmet food while enjoying the West Test action live on the big screen at the BHP Amphitheatre;
- The Ashes Watch Party at Elizabeth Quay on 21 November, where fans can watch Day 1 of the Ashes action on a floating big screen;
- The Scorchers After Party at the WACA Ground on 22 November, for spectators to continue the action and watch the Scorchers take on the Strikers in the Women's Big Bash League; and
- The WA Day Festival at Burswood Park from 22-23 November, a free family-friendly event with live music, food trucks, carnival rides, activations and evening fireworks.
This year's West Test marks the first time in 43 years that Perth has hosted the opening of the Ashes Test series, with a strong contingent of visitors from the United Kingdom expected to attend.
The UK is WA's largest international market by visitor numbers and home to the passionate Barmy Army cricket supporters, making the West Test and surrounding festivities a perfectly timed reason to visit WA.
The West Fest is part of the Cook Government's economic diversification and events experience strategy which seeks to add further value to major events with surrounding activities that increase economic impact, enhance the visitor experience and generate a significant boost to local jobs and businesses.
Event attendees are encouraged to catch public transport and plan ahead, with those travelling to the WA Day Festival evening festivities encouraged to arrive before 5pm to avoid congestion when cricket crowds leave the Stadium.
Find out more about the West Fest and purchase final tickets for the West Test at cricket.com.au/tickets
As stated by Acting Tourism Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Excitement in Perth is reaching fever-pitch as we activate a weekend of festivities with the West Fest, adding excitement to the greatest rivalry in world cricket, the Ashes, at this year's West Test.
"We're expecting thousands of visitors to travel to WA to attend this historic Test match, where we'll treat them to a program of activities and experiences, with the West Fest transforming Perth into a hub of sport, entertainment and culture.
"This is an incredible tourism opportunity for Western Australia to attract more visitors from our largest international visitor market, the UK.
"It's also a clear demonstration of the WA Government's economic diversification and events strategy at work, offering a range of activities for everyone to enjoy and creating a reason for visitors to extend their stay, providing a significant boost to local businesses and jobs."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Ashes is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and will be the highest attended sporting event ever hosted at Perth Stadium. Hosting the opening Test here in Perth is a massive win for Western Australia.
"West Fest builds on the momentum of the West Test, creating even more reasons for visitors to stay longer, spend money at our local businesses, and experience everything our State has to offer.
"By investing in events like the West Fest, we're ensuring WA continues to attract world-class sporting events while creating vibrant precincts that benefit local businesses and the broader community - all part of our government's commitment to diversify our economy and generate quality local jobs.
"The West Fest will welcome fans outside Perth Stadium with activations and food offerings across the first three days while the WA Day Festival will again be integrated across Saturday and Sunday.
"The WA Day Festival is Western Australia's biggest community celebration and will bring together family fun, free carnival rides, music concerts, cultural experiences, food trucks and fireworks at Burswood Park."
