Barunga Festival nominated for BEA World Festival Awards 2024

One of the Territory’s most popular homegrown festivals has been short-listed as one of only 10 cultural festivals – with the winners set to be announced in Rome.

BARUNGA, AUSTRALIA June 11, 2023. the crowd watches Young-Milla performing for a crowd of up to 5000. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

The Territory’s own Barunga Festival has been short-listed as one of only 10 cultural festivals at the BEA World Festival Awards in Rome this year.

The Indigenous sports, culture and art festival began in 1985.

Hosts of the festival, Bagala Aboriginal Corporation, will now share the stage with behemoth companies like Coca Cola, Google and Ferrari.

BARUNGA, AUSTRALIA - June 9, 2024: Yothu Yindi headline the annual Barunga Festival, 375 km south of Darwin as the community of Barunga opens its doors to the world in a celebration of Culture, Sport and Art Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

“It’s crazy to read those names,” Bagala Corporation’s chief executive Steve Smith told this masthead.

“Barunga is a super small community that punches above its weight,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith was thrilled to be nominated, but said his focus was on next year’s festival.

“I’m excited about the opportunity,” he said.

Chief executive of Bagala Aboriginal Corporation Steve Smith. Picture: Supplied

“The award is a platform – it’s about giving us an opportunity to showcase our festival.”

He outlined optimistic plans for the next festival.

“If this year’s festival was (rated) a one, next year’s will be a 10.”

He pointed to the festival’s shift towards more cultural authenticity in recent years and credited that commitment with Barunga’s acknowledgment on the world stage.

“It’s more about authentic cultural content than it’s ever been,” he said.

Barunga Festival. Picture: Campaign Edge Sprout

“The more we bring in the content, the more the crowds grow.”

Mr Smith attributed the new partnership with festival promoters Campaign Edge Sprout for giving Bagala Corporation more creative license and control over the festival’s program.

Next year’s festival will include more cultural activities, local performances and a world record attempt involving a didgeridoo.

“Stay tuned for that didgeridoo story,” Mr Smith said.

“It involves an artist who was commissioned by the late Queen Elizabeth II.”

Tickets for next year’s festival are already on sale at www.barungafestival.com.au

Originally published as Barunga Festival nominated for BEA World Festival Awards 2024