Mbantua Festival at Alice Springs 9th-13th October 2013

The beauty and power of aboriginal culture will be showcased once again this October, in an incredible programme of music, culture and ceremony. The Mbantua Festival held at Alice Springs is renowned for restoring pride to the Indigenous community, and it’s clear to see why.

From 9th – 13th October a new initiative, Awakening the Desert, is being launched to celebrate the history of the Indigenous people with hundreds of performers. A major aspect of the festival that is guaranteed to unite the crowds is the special music line-up. This year artists include Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, Jessica Mauboy, the Tjintu desert band, and many more for a mix of Acoustic and Reggae sounds.

Two productions which simply can’t be missed will also be staged: ‘Bungalow Song’ and ‘Bush Mechanics Live’. Both productions will surprise and captivate the audiences, with glimpses into Central Australian culture. ‘Bungalow Song’ in particular manipulates powerful narratives and visual projections to create a magical experience and move the audience.

For those who don’t want to simply observe there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved with the creativity of the festival, with a series of interesting workshops. Amateurs and experts alike can learn about Central Australian traditions, with talks on Bush Tucker food and Bush Medicine. Perhaps Tjanpi Weaving and Desert Jewellery making will be more exciting for those that truly want to immerse themselves in something different. Diversity is never shied away from at the Mbantua Festival in a music jam unlike any other.

Throughout the festival there will also be film screenings of eye-opening documentaries and charismatic films. Keep a look out for desert exhibitions, sustainable displays and stalls where you can purchase authentic goods.

Accommodation should be fairly simple to find around Alice Springs and Central Australia, but those who want the full experience may want to make use of the caravan and camping grounds. Useful tour company Territory Discovery offer a four-day Alice Springs Escape package that will solve all your travel and accommodation worries, starting from $411. Ticket prices for the festival vary according to the pass chosen, but there are great package deals that make the festival super cheap.

The five-day experience is set to be truly special and brings people together in an appreciation of authentic desert and Indigenous culture.