WA DAY celebrations in Fremantle are set go off with a bang at Fishing Boat Harbour, with fireworks set to light up the sky during the long weekend.

The Fremantle Harbour Traders Group has banded together to create the two-day inclusive celebration known as the Celebrate WA Festival, which includes a fireworks spectacular on June 3 on the eve of the official WA Day public holiday.

Local Aboriginal elders will open the event on June 3 with a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, followed by a range of cultural music and dance events from different ethnic backgrounds.

Across the weekend there will be numerous musical and dance performances in and around the harbour, including Italian, Greek and Latin styles and the Chung Wah Association Lion Dance Troupe, culminating with the fireworks at the family-friendly time of 6pm Sunday.

The harbour will play host to a range of other free activities including face-painting and bouncy castles for children, a suitcase market, roving buskers and more.

Char Char Restaurant + Bar owner Brenden Jones, a member of the Fremantle Harbour Traders Group, said it was hoped the WA Day fireworks would become a popular annual family experience.

“WA Day is a uniquely West Australian day that is inclusive for all West Australians,” he said.

“This event recognises our Aboriginal history, early European migrant background and the diverse range of people from all over the world who have made – and continue to make – Freo and WA their home. 

“The entertainment will help to make the area come alive, attracting people from near and far keen to enjoy what’s on offer.

“It gives Fremantle, and especially the surrounding Fishing Boat Harbour area, a real vibrancy and energy.”

The full Fishing Boat Harbour Celebrate WA Festival program, covering June 3 and 4, will be available at www.fremantlefishingboatharbour.com/celebrate-wa