DARK ULVO: 'Psychedelic musical odyssey' as popular festival comes to town

XYZZY - New Zealand artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward's commission for Hive's Ulverstone Planetarium.

The Central Coast Council described it as "a program that promises to warp reality and ignite imaginations".

"A psychedelic musical odyssey, XYZZY immerses viewers in a kaleidoscope of flesh mandalas, replicating architecture, wormlike beings and alien deities - all set to a synth-heavy soundtrack.

"It's bold, brilliant and unmistakably Dark Mofo."

XYZZY features music by Andrew Clarke, Stef Animal, Luke Rowell and Lachlan Anderson.

Hive arts and culture manager Jessie Pangas said XYZZY was "bold, weird, and wildly immersive, everything you expect from Dark Mofo".

"We knew it would be popular, but even we were surprised when all 600 tickets sold out across 10 sessions in under a week.

"The response has been incredible."

Mayor Cheryl Fuller said being the only Dark Mofo site outside Hobart and Launceston was a huge coup for Ulverstone.

" ... we're excited to welcome locals and interstate visitors alike to this special program," Cr Fuller said.

Ms Pangas said it was a major moment for Hive and the entire North-West.

"It's so exciting to see our region become part of Tasmania's boldest arts conversation," she said.

The council said the Ulverstone Bridge and Hive would be illuminated by Dark Mofo's "signature red glow" to mark the occasion.

"While tickets have now sold out, the overwhelming response has demonstrated a clear appetite for contemporary arts experiences in the region, an encouraging sign as we explore future collaborations with programs like Dark Mofo," the council said.

The shows will be from 4-7pm from June 5 until June 15.