Barunga Festival draws a big crowd as Territorians, visitors celebrate event’s return

More than 3000 people are expected to attend the Barunga Festival after a 12-month hiatus due to Covid-19.

Lilly Gherardi, Kellie Gherardi, Daniella Gherardi, Bryanne Thomas, Harriet Avery, Miriam Avery, Rob Gherardi from Margaret River, WA, at the Barunga Festival. Picture: Che Chorley

• Barunga Festival will go ahead despite Covid-19 concerns

MORE than 3000 people are expected to attend the Barunga Festival after a 12-month hiatus due to Covid-19.

In a unique combination of art, sport and culture, Barunga is a festival where an entire community opens its arms to welcome people from around Australia to experience Indigenous culture in a setting like no other.

Jessica Phillips, Anocha Taylor, Cindy Rostron and Noni Eather from Maningrida at the Barunga Festival. Picture: Che Chorley

Paige Cunningham, Marina Ferencek and Jayne Hansen at the Barunga Festival. Picture: Che Chorley

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Festival co-ordinator Brad Firebrace said organisers expected more than 3000 people to set up camp and call Barunga home over the next three days.

The campground steadily filled up all day with number plates adorning cars from every state and territory.

The packed campground at the Barunga Festival. Picture: Che Chorley

Matt Behling and Laura Wade at the Barunga Festival. Picture: Che Chorley

Sunshine Coast resident Alex Loffel said she had made the trip west to enjoy the dry season and amazing NT culture.

Fellow attendees Colin Williams and Mi-lim Chen Yi Mei said they had decided to start their year-long trip around the country in the Northern Territory and were planning on working in Katherine after the festival ended.

Colin Williams and Mi-lim Chen Yi Mei at the Barunga Festival. Picture: Che Chorley

Morgan Faulkner from Darwin and Alex Loffel from the Sunshine Coast at the Barunga Festival. Picture: Che Chorley

Tickets are available at the gate all weekend, with camping the only option for accommodation at the festival site.