An iconic NT cultural event has been postponed due to ongoing concerns surrounding Covid
An iconic NT cultural event, the Barunga Festival, has been rescheduled to August due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19.
Northern Territory
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THE 2022 Barunga Festival has been rescheduled to August due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19.
Traditionally held in June the celebration of culture and coming together has been impacted as a result of the Barunga community being in lockdown for a number of months.
Skinnyfish Music director and even coordinator Mark Grose said while it was unfortunate to have to reschedule it would ensure a better event took place in 2022.
“Barunga Festival is one of the most important events on the Australian calendar, when residents of the remote community open their doors to the rest of Australia,” he said.
“It is of the utmost importance that we provide a safe environment and we believe that, if we were to continue with our original dates, the stress on the community would be too great, given the lockdown conditions they have been recently under.
“The additional few months will give us valuable time to continue to consult with the community and create an event that keeps to their vision.
“Visitors will be welcomed at a time and in a manner that celebrations can be had safely and with the confidence of our gracious hosts.”
The event will now be held over three days from August 12 to August 14 and is expected to attract more than 3000 people from the NT and beyond.
The festival will include two big days and nights of First Nations music and is the home of the Top End’s most ferocious sporting competition.
Seabreeze Festival cancelled in 2022
THE 2022 edition of the Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival has been cancelled over a stalemate in negotiations with government partners.
The Nightcliff Arts, Music and Culture Inc. (NAMCI) announced the cancellation of the free, community driver event on Wednesday after being able to secure sufficient funding.
The festival which engages over 1600 local artists and attracts over 20,000 people each year was set to take place in May.
NAMCI chairman Andrew Arthur said it was shattering to have to cancel the event.
“I‘ve been involved since the first working group meeting 18 years ago so i’ve invested a lot of my life into this festival so it’s shattering,” Mr Arthur said.
“The local member also Minister for Major Events. She was on board when we first got the development money 18 years ago and I can’t work it out.”
Minister for Major Events and Member for Nightcliff Natasha Fyles said it was disappointing the event would not be going ahead.
“The Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival is a fantastic community event and the Northern Territory Government has continued to support the Festival for more than a decade,” Ms Fyles said.
“In previous years, the Festival has been successful in receiving ongoing funding, including providing three year tri-annual funding in 2017.
“Despite a consistent effort by NTMEC to engage with the Festival’s committee, they did not submit an application for funding for the 2022 event and we are disappointed to hear it will not be going ahead.
“The NT Government’s grant process ensures accountability, and that monies are used for correct purposes and are evenly distributed across the Territory – tax payers deserve nothing less.”
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