Dancers mesmerised the crowd with their storytelling performances over two days of cultural celebration in the NPA. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Unseasonably hot dry season weather did not deter a united celebration of Cape York and Torres Strait First Nations communities when gates opened at the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival on 12-13 July.
The weather tested performers and spectators alike as dancers, storytellers, songmen and musicians from Coen to Thursday Island took to the stage at Yusia Ginau Oval in Bamaga.
The theme for the biennial event was United Cultures = Strong Future: Let’s Dance, with comedian Sean Choolburra headlining on Friday night, while Mitch Tambo, who blends traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production methods, had the crowd on its feet to close the festival on Saturday.
Festival co-ordinator Dev Lengjel said feedback from the performances had been extremely positive, adding the biennial event would not have been possible without a big effort from Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) staff.
Performers from across Cape York and the Torres Strait made entrances to remember that thrilled the big crowd at Bamaga’s Yusia Ginau Oval. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
“It’s been really quite outstanding,” he said.
“I mean, first of all, I have to commend the team – the Community Services team and the Parks and Gardens team from NPARC have just been astounding to put this festival together.
Bamaga performers Jaroyston Larry, Santiago Wasiu and Samuel Jacob prepare to take to the arena at the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival on 12 July. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
“Everybody just pulled in, especially the women from the Community Services team, who have been absolutely tireless and without whom we could not do this.
“The public itself has been extremely responsive [and] we had great feedback for yesterday; the dancers are so happy to be here.”
Victorian tourist Monique Simpson, who extended her NPA visit with her family in order to attend the festival, said it had been “one of those experiences you just have to be part of”.
Mr Lengjel said attendees had come from all corners of Australia to celebrate the event.
“It’s a real pleasure to see the smiles on the face on people,” he said.
“Those faces, those smiles – that tells you it’s been a success and makes it all worthwhile.”
The 2024 NPA Cultural Festival was a true celebration of culture, community and family. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Shay Corbett, Albert Wisby and Billy Marriott check out the entertainment and stalls at Yusia Ginau Oval. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Coen’s Allkumo Malpa Paman dancers perform the story of women hunting for bonefish on the first day of the festival. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Lavinia Jacob and Judith Wapau catch up on Friday afternoon. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Lara Tribeu and Alana Gures couldn’t wait to see what was happening as the festival got into full swing. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Kurtrina Kepa, Elnorah Jacob and Alice Sebasio are all smiles as they watch the Bamaga and Coen performances. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council aged care and disability support services staff and clients found a great spot to watch the first day’s entertainment from. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Roger Paii was at Yusia Ginau Oval early on 12 July. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Macquarie Rankin, James Philp, Arlo Philp, Brook Philp and Kirsten Wilson were part of a big day one crowd watching performances from across Cape York and Torres Strait. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Charmaine Bond and Lelae Binawel found a shady spot to watch the parade along Adidi Street. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Mary Solomon and Temias Young catch up on the first day of the biennial festival. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
The Bamaga dancers lead the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival parade along Adidi Street in hot conditions on 12 July. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Fifth-generation descendent of Bamaga, Uncle John Tabuai, walks the festival torch to Yusia Ginau Oval for a handover ceremony with community Elders on Friday afternoon. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
The festival torch handover between Elders from Bamaga, Injinoo, Seisia, New Mapoon and Umagico was a day one highlight at the biennial NPA Cultural Festival. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Colin Jawai and Stephen Mawia escaped the heat to catch up at Bamaga’s Yusia Ginau Oval. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Dorothy Mara, Vera Christian, Iris Bula and Gebie Bon found a prime position to watch the dances from on Friday. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Max and Stefanie Garavaglia made the trip north from Sydney and were keen to check out day one of the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Injinoo teachers Bec and Rod Drummond take a break in the shade between performances. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Victorian visitors Michelle and Tony Boreham check out what the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival is all about. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
nbn local team members Louise Barnes and Nicole Carroll and their action-packed stalled were popular with the kids over the two days of the festival. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Performers from across Cape York and the Torres Strait made entrances to remember that thrilled the big crowd at Bamaga’s Yusia Ginau Oval. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Maudie Whap, Val Sebasio-Williams, Skyla Williams, Lythe Williams and Romina Nona prepare to show their support for dancers. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Conor Meyer and Ryan Bonnefin had great seats for Saturday’s performances. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Heather Campbell and Mark Haydon enjoy the festival performances while visiting the NPA from Victoria. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
The young performers from the Island Stars dance up a storm on Saturday. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Kirsty Lord, Isla Lord and Marie Rayeroux got to the festival early on 13 July. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
A talented array of musicians, storytellers and songmen from across Cape York and the Torres Strait supported dancers during the two days of performances at the festival. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan, Molly Hill and Brent Guglielmi were on hand to broadcast the festival to communities from Cairns to Cape York. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Karen Keane, Rita Gibuma and Jada Pomare were at Yusia Ginau Oval representing Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Frederick Tapau, Bruce Sailor and Tremaine Reid head to the festival arena on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Performers from all corners of Cape York and Torres Strait took to the stage to share their culture and stories with attendees at this year’s festival. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Pacific Nights gets the audience warmed up as day two of the NPA Cultural Festival begins. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Tommy Sebasio, Uncle Easter Young, Fiona Wright and Laura Rowe get ready for the second day of performances. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Jena Stephen, Jonah Lui and Cherose Sailor make time for a photo ahead of lunch on Saturday. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
