It's time to head to Borroloola for this year’s Malandarri Festival!
Formally known as DanceSite, this remote Community gathering of the 4 clan groups living in Borroloola, the Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gurdanji and Mara people, has grown into a significant cultural event of the Roper Gulf region.
The Malandarri Festival is carefully curated by festival director Marlene Timothy, a Yanyuwa/Garrwa woman who insures that the whole community is represented in the culturally diverse festival program; and that other regional community groups and schools are formally invited to attend and participate. Festival goers can expect a dynamic traditional dance program rich with ancestral storylines accompanied by songmen & women. The clan groups of Borroloola will be stirring up the sand and welcoming visiting groups including The Dhambul (Devil) dancers from Numbulwar.
As well as the traditional dance program, the Malandarri Festival is packed with entertainment including a line-up of local and regional bands like popular rock n’ roll / reggae outfit, Sandridge Band. Darwin musician Dave Spry is travelling to Borroloola in advance of the festival for some music workshops leading into a performance. Also taking the stage will be legendary Gulf Country musician Barnabus Timothy.
The Malandarri Festival is a family friendly, drug and alcohol free event. Entry each day is by gold coin donation and children under 16 are free. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the food available to purchase from the market stalls. Gates open at 5pm on Friday and 3pm on Saturday.