Daminmin Festival
You’re invited to gather on Limilngan-Wulna Country to celebrate the Dry in true Top End style with camping, workshops, culture, nature and community. The three-day Daminmin Festival – in easy reach of Darwin, just east of Humpty Doo – is a magical way to spend a weekend.
By Kate Sieper
Created in partnership with Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours and Darwin Community Arts, under the artistic and cultural direction of Lynette and Graham Kenyon, the Festival is held at the beautiful Pudakul Billabong in the Adelaide River wetlands.
Daminmin is a word that relates to the creation story of the turtle, and 2022 presents the second ever Daminmin Festival. This year there is the added option of camping, and the exciting program of events has been stretched out over three days, from Friday to Sunday. For a nominated donation of your choice, you can camp for just one night or stay for all three allowing you to settle in to experience this very special fusion of First Nations and rural culture.
“Daminmin is a collaboration. Last year, we were blown away by the beauty of the site and the Festival atmosphere. We have a passion and joy for cultural development, and Daminmin is about celebrating our community, and taking delight in making and sharing art together,” says Daminmin Creative Co-Producer Anna Weekes.
“We enjoy hanging out together in nature and bringing together a range of people and art forms.” The Festival offers a range of cultural and artistic practices including workshops in weaving, indigo dyeing, bush medicine and foods, making clapsticks, drawing and dancing.
As well as the activities, Daminmin also showcases great local short films courtesy of the NT Travelling Film Festival, and on Saturday night there’s a sunset concert featuring great local musical acts including The Djari Project, Ray Ray McKenzie and the Wairuk Band.
“There is lots happening, but it’s relaxed. Everyone’s welcome. It’s family friendly, and you can take part or just be in the moment watching birds by the billabong and soak it all up,” says Lynette Kenyon.
“It’s about sharing culture, and sharing where you are from, and spending time together, learning and yarning and having fun. We want people to leave our festival with a greater sense of belonging, understanding and respect of Limilngan-Wulna Country and culture.”
WHEN FRI 22 – SUN 24 JUL
AT 1581 ARNHEM HIGHWAY, LAMBELLS LAGOON
COST DONATION
INFO darwincommunityarts.org.au
Thumbnail, header & inset: Photos: Anna Weekes
