Launching at a unique event last week under the desert sunset in Alice Springs, the Mbantua Festival announced the key features and speakers for its 2013 edition, taking place this October 9th – 13th.
Over 150 people gathered at the Old Telegraph Station for a range of blockbuster announcements, and for music fans the festival has confirmed that Missy Higgins will be performing a special acoustic set, while the Tjintu Desert Band are also locked in.
The reveal came via Mbantua Festival’s Creative directors Rachel Perkins and Nigel Jamieson and the first of a range of Australia’s finest singers and songwriters who will perform in the magical setting at Todd River.
The Mbantua Festival is a historic initiative co-ordinated by the Central Arrernte peoples of Alice Springs and the Arrulka Business Aboriginal Corporation. The artistic directors are the same highly-successful team behind the Yeperenye Festival.
“It’s been 12 years since the celebration of the Yeperenye Festival”, Maurie Ryan, Chief Minister – Chairperson Central Land Council said at the Alice Springs launch, “The Arrernte people and Arrulka Business Aboriginal Corporation (ABAC) have taken a lead role in creating this event for all Australians. ABA have been the main sponsors with support from the ABA members and the Central Land Council.”
Alice Springs Town Council Deputy Mayor Liz Martin was just as enthusiastic about the festival: “Having a regular festival is a really important step of social inclusion and an appreciation of the diversity of all our cultures.”
The biennial festival will take place in the heart of Alice Springs between 9-13 October 2013, featuring hundreds of Indigenous performers and delivering a world-class Indigenous Australian cultural experience. Five days under the desert stars will take your senses on an exhilarating cultural journey.
For more details and to book Early Bird tickets head to www.mbantuafestival.com.au
Mbantua Festival 2013
9 – 13 October, 2013
Northern Territory, Alice Springs
www.mbantuafestival.com.au
