Premier Colin Barnett has launched the 2015 Perth International Arts Festival at a special celebration at Chevron Festival Gardens this evening.

It is the oldest international multi-arts festival in the southern hemisphere, with more than 800,000 people expected to attend this year.

Mr Barnett said the festival would present a rich offering of quality arts events.

“The 2015 program will bring the people of Perth a bigger cultural experience than ever before with more than 800 local, national and international theatre, music, film, arts, literature and free community events,” he said.

The festival kicks off tomorrow with The Giants – a massive street theatre parade through Perth staged over three days and supported by Lotterywest, the Department of Culture and the Arts, and Tourism WA.

The Premier said The Giants would share the Anzac story across generations.

“This will be the biggest free public arts event ever seen in Western Australia,” he said.

In its 24th year of backing the festival, Lotterywest has contributed $7.3 million this year, including support for the film season under the stars at the Somerville and Joondalup Pines.

The State Government has made a total contribution of $8.65 million to the festival.

“State Government support, through Lotterywest, has particularly enabled the growth of the festival’s Vital Stages program, now in its third year,” Mr Barnett said.

“This program gives local artists a rare opportunity to collaborate with international artists to develop new skills and strengthen engagement.”