Sun, Stadium Anthems, and the Great Bridge Closure: Your Perth Sunday Briefing

A Sizzling Start to February

Good morning, Perth. It is Sunday, 1 February 2026, and the city is waking up to a quintessential Western Australian summer morning. With the sun rising just before 5:45 AM, we are looking at a clear, bright day with temperatures expected to climb to a warm 29°C. While it is not the record-breaking 40-degree heat we often see this month, the UV index is forecast to hit extreme levels. If you are heading to the coast or one of the many outdoor festival hubs today, make sure to seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM.

The Mood: Festive Fever and Stadium Beats

The mood across the metropolitan area is electric this morning. The city is currently in the thick of the Fringe World Festival, which has turned Northbridge and the CBD into a kaleidoscope of performance and color. However, the biggest buzz today surrounds Optus Stadium. Tens of thousands of fans are preparing for the second night of Ed Sheeran’s 'Loop Tour.' Following a massive opening show last night, the riverside precinct is expected to be packed once again this afternoon as gates open for the final leg of his Perth stay. Between the world-class music and the mid-festival Fringe fever, there is an unmistakable sense that Perth is the place to be this summer.

Key Talking Point: Navigating a City in Transition

While the festivities are in full swing, the major talking point over Sunday breakfast is transport. Today marks a significant milestone for the city’s infrastructure: the official closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge. From today, the iconic crossing is shut to all traffic for approximately 12 months to allow for the construction of the new Swan River Crossings. This, combined with the ongoing month-long shutdown of the Midland Line between Bassendean and Midland, means commuters are having to rethink their routines. Whether it is navigating the detours around North Fremantle or adjusting to replacement buses on the rail network, 'patience' is the word of the day for Perth drivers and public transport users alike.

Feel-Good Story: Magic at the Arena

If you are looking for a reason to smile today, look no further than RAC Arena. This morning and afternoon, the 'Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play!' show is bringing a burst of magic to younger families. With Mickey, Minnie, and characters from Spidey and his Amazing Friends taking the stage, the venue has become a haven of childhood wonder. In a year where the cost of living and median house prices hitting the $1 million mark have dominated headlines, seeing the next generation of West Aussies lost in the magic of theater serves as a timely reminder of the vibrant, family-friendly community that continues to define our city.