The ancient Mesopotamian kingdom of Babylon (modern-day Iraq) may have fallen into decline more than 2500 years ago, but this Saturday its bacchanalian spirit will take over Chippendale’s Kensington Street. Sydney Fringe Festival and artistic collective Tortuga Studios have teamed up to transform the precinct into the fabled city, famous for its hanging gardens and opulent buildings.

The free party will take over Kensington Street and Spice Alley with light sculptures and projections, live music, dancing, soundscapes, food, performance and drinks. More than 30 artists are contributing works and performances to the night, and the surrounding eateries and bars are also getting in on the action.

A Silk Road pop-up will have food hawkers selling Asian dishes. Bar Gin Lane will be whipping up cocktails for patrons to sip on as they puff on shisha, mobile bar company Trolley’d will be on mocktail duty and Handpicked Wines will be pouring vino.

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At the Marriage Market, Fringe is encouraging temporary Babylonians to meet their new flames the old-fashioned way: by talking to them. If sparks fly with your future soulmate (or just your Saturday night dance partner), head to Olio, Eastside Kitchen & Bar, Mekong, Bistrot Gavroche, Gin Lane or Handpicked Wines, where the first round will be on Kensington Street.

Artists and performers appearing on the night are many and varied. Cult of Everything will be creating live oil projections accompanied by music and the Dollar Bin Darlings will be spinning deep jungle grooves.

Rhiannon Hopley’s photography and video installation work will be on display and Kris Perry’s hand-wound mechatronic installation The Cube will be installed. Other artists and performers on the night include Porcelain Alice, Pete Strong, Uncle Uncel and Cult of Everything.

Babylon happens at Kensington Street and Spice Alley on Saturday September 14 from 6pm until late and is open to all ages.

kensingtonstreet.com.au