Garrmalang
Darwin's own Indigenous arts and cultural festival is fast becoming a must-do activity for locals and visitors.
Garrmalang celebrates the talents and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from all over the country, on Larrakia land.
Artistic Director Gary Lang says this year’s program is one to get excited for with a great line up of visual art, traditional dance and music.
“It’ll be a beautiful festival,” he says.
“It’s going to be brilliant.”
The festivities begin with an opening ceremony and the Kenbi Dancers’ bunngul, followed by music from Shellie Morris and Dhapanbul YunupiÅu. Skinnyfish Sound System will have people dancing 'til midnight to round out the first day.
Skinnyfish Sound System producer James Mangohig says they are riding high from their show at the Commonwealth Games and are ready to bring the energy back home to the Top End.
“We had incredible show at the Commonwealth Games,” Mangohig says.
“We turned a sit down on the lawn, family friendly event into a get up and dance party.
“Kids were dancing, adults were dancing, black people, white people – everyone was dancing.”
On Saturday the serious business starts with the free panel discussion ‘From womb to tomb – Indigenous lifelong learning and education – where are we and where do we want to be’, looking at issues of national significance in Indigenous education, training and employment.
The panel features Professor Peter Buckskin and Professor Jack Beetson, Cheryl Godwell and Dr Stephen Hagan.
Dan Sultan fans can rejoice as the legendary singer and musician returns to Darwin for his highly praised solo set.
Sunday night will see SPUN: True Stories Told in the Territory return to the festival with an all-Indigenous line up of storytellers.
Fri 25 – Sun 27 May | Darwin Entertainment Centre | See the event listing
