Barunga Festival returns with a focus on music, sport and culture

The Northern Territory’s cultural Barunga Festival, taking place from 12th-14th August focuses on music, sport and culture and is anticipated to attract thousands of attendees from across the Territory and Australia.

The event was rescheduled from its original June timeslot and event organisers are looking forward to delivering an even bigger program that the whole family can enjoy.

Barunga Festival celebrates Indigenous community life and pays homage to the 1988 Barunga Statement presented to Prime Minister Bob Hawke by Aboriginal leaders. 

Program highlights this year include music performances from the Eylandt Band, traditional dancing from Groote Eylandt Bungul, spear throwing demonstrations, bush tucker tastings, weaving workshops and much more.

In addition, there will be numerous food vendors, sporting matches taking place throughout the weekend, and an inflatable water slide and jumping castle for the kids.

NT Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Selena Uibo notes “the community of Barunga is looking forward to welcoming visitors to engage and indulge in arts, sport, community and culture this weekend at the Barunga Festival.

“Since it was first held in 1985, the Barunga Festival has provided an opportunity for visitors from all over Australia and the world to learn more about the Arnhem region - rich in cultural traditions, and with a fascinating and massive history.”

Barunga Festival Coordinator Angela Kelly advises “This out-of-season Barunga event has generated much interest from a new audience who normally wouldn’t be in the Territory at this time of the year.

“Barunga 2022 is shaping up to be a cultural extravaganza with many activities to participate in, thanks to the support of the NT Government."

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.barungafestival.com.au

Image: Sport plays an important part of remote community life and is the true backbone of the Barunga Festival Program in 2022. Teams from far and wide, across the NT, Central Australia and Victoria will come to participate in AFL, basketball and softball. Credit: Barunga Festival