Bluey to headline Darwin's Festival of Us for Australia Day celebrations
The Territory's largest Australia Day event will unite thousands through multicultural performances, traditional ceremonies and an appearance by Australia's favourite animated dog. Read the details.
The day will start with a fun run at sunrise; then a smoking ceremony.
By 11am, there will be music and dancing – a K-pop Demon Hunters inspired dance troupe, the Garramilla Dancers, and the return of Territory band B2M.
And the final flourish: everyone’s favourite blue dog, Bluey.
This is the Festival of Us, which Australia Day Council Northern Territory vice chair Helen Summers OAM describes as “one of the biggest events of the Territory”.
The theme, set by the ADCNT, is reflect, respect and celebrate.
“We are all part of the story,” Ms Summers said.
She added the events created a space for celebration, entertainment and reflection.
“It’s a powerful cultural community event. It’s vibrant, it’s inclusive,” Ms Summers said.
“So we’re all getting together.”
Also returning is the popular OZ Fusion, a three-hour showcase of multicultural performances featuring dance, music and cultural expression from community groups across the NT.
And yes, Bluey – a celebrity appearance Ms Summers said was likely to draw families across the region.
“Bluey and Dingo will get everybody up in an interactive performance with the magical xylophone,” Ms Summers said.
Ms Summers said the morning’s smoking ceremony offered “a time of energy and a sense of reflection”.
The free evening meal, she said, was designed for “togetherness”.
“It’s so inclusive for all ages and all nationalities and disabilities; it’s for everybody,” she said.
“That’s why it is important to come along on Australia Day, so we can celebrate who we are, listen to each other, listen to their story.”
The emphasis on listening recurred throughout the conversation.
When asked what message she had for Territorians, Ms Summers didn’t mention the line-up.
“Make sure that day’s for you, that you do spend it with people – people maybe you don’t know,” she said.
“Time to share your story and listen to other stories.
“It’s a whole day of celebration. It’s about unitedness. It’s about having fun.
“But at the same time, it’s a time to reflect on our past, learn from it and look forward to the future.”
The free festival takes place on Australia Day, running from 11am to 8pm at the Territory Netball Stadium Marrara.
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Originally published as Bluey to headline Darwin's Festival of Us for Australia Day celebrations
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