Fremantle to Celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday with Ocean-Inspired Event at Freo.Social
Fremantle will mark the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough with a unique community and cultural event celebrating his life, legacy and enduring message about the future of our oceans.
Presented by Freo.Social, OCEAN — A Celebration of Sir David Attenborough 100th Birthday, will take place on Friday 8 May 2026, bringing together film, science, music, and immersive visuals in the heart of Fremantle.
Timed to coincide with Attenborough’s centenary on Friday 8 May, the event invites the community to reflect on his lifetime of work — and the urgent message at the heart of his latest documentary film, Ocean.
“Sir David Attenborough has shaped how generations of people see and understand the natural world,” said James Legge, Director of Freo.Social.
“We wanted to mark his 100th birthday in a way that felt meaningful — by bringing the community together to celebrate his extraordinary legacy and reflect on the message at the heart of Ocean. This is a chance for Western Australians who care deeply about the ocean to share this special moment.”
A Community Gathering for the Ocean
The evening will begin with a free screening of one of the most powerful environmental films of our time – Ocean - narrated by Sir David Attenborough
Following the film, respected ocean environmentalist and Prime Minister Award winner Professor Michael Wear from Tidal Moon will deliver a short address, reinforcing the film’s message and highlighting the opportunities that still exist to protect and restore our oceans.
The event is free to attend, with an RSVP required to confirm attendance.
Revive our Ocean, film producer, has generously facilitated this screening of Ocean.
A Celebration of an Extraordinary Life
After the screening, Freo.Social will transform into an atmospheric ocean-inspired landscape for a vibrant celebration honouring Attenborough’s remarkable life and contribution. This event, hosted by Nush Freedman from Disney Channel’s hit series Shipwreck Hunters, will welcome guests for a night of music, immersive visuals and shared appreciation of the natural world. The evening program includes:
• A candle-lit performance by the Imperial String Quartet backed by stunning visuals
• A special performance of John Butler’s “Ocean” by WA musician & composer Rick Webster
• Live music from Grammy Award-winning artist Lucky Oceans & Band
• Screening of Ocean promotional content followed by an address by Prof. Michael Wear
• A message from WA Greens Member of Parliament Hon Sophie McNeill
• Special video messages from some ocean-loving musicians and identities
• Ocean-inspired immersive visuals on a huge video wall
• Curated DJ sets throughout the night
• A special birthday tribute moment for Sir David
Honoring Sir David’s Legacy Through Action
Ocean highlights the major pressures facing our marine environment, including overfishing, destructive fishing practices, climate change and ocean warming. But the film also carries a message of hope: that the ocean can recover if governments and communities act with urgency.
A key message in the film is the global goal to protect 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030 through protected marine areas.
“Protecting 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030 is one of the clearest and most practical steps we can take for marine life and for the health of the planet,” said Professor Michael Wear.
“When marine areas are strongly protected, ecosystems can recover, biodiversity can return, and ocean resilience improves — including through the protection and restoration of vital habitats such as seagrass meadows. The science is clear: if we want a healthy ocean for future generations, we need to move faster.”
The event on 8 May will help amplify that message and encourage greater public awareness of the role strong ocean protection can play in restoring marine ecosystems.
We honour and acknowledge the Whadjuk Nyoongar people as Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and recognise that the land and sovereignty has never been ceded.
TICKETING INFO
*18+ LICENSED SHOW - MINORS PERMITTED WITH A LEGAL GUARDIAN
SET TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
When ticket sales have closed on the day of the show they may still be available at the door.
Once purchased tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable
A booking fee applies to all advance tickets
VENUE INFO:
Photo ID is essential, acceptable ID is a current and valid Australian Photo Drivers Licence or Passport
The venue reserves the right to refuse admission to any person.
Intoxicated persons will not be admitted.
Dangerous behaviour including Crowd Surfing, Stage Diving, Moshing and Violent Dancing is not allowed and will result in your immediate removal from this venue.
Inappropriate behaviour at this venue will lead to your banning.
*Minors are permitted with a legal guardian. When on premises minors must be accompanied at all times.
Event Finishing Times - all mid week and Sunday events will be scheduled to finish by no later than 11.30pm and on Fridays and Saturdays, no later than 12 midnight.
COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES:
Due to the lifting of COVID-19 mandates in WA, Freo.Social is operating at full capacity and restriction free!
We still encourage our patrons to observe good hygiene practices and encourage you to stay at home if you are unwell.