Following its iteration at 2023’s Wynnum Fringe, the much-loved Quandamooka Music & Cultural Festival returns to Minjerribah this August 30 to 31 for its first full-scale event since 2022. Co-headlining the Friday night music programme will be Meanjin favourite Jem Cassar-Daley, alongside acclaimed artists Uncle Joe Geia and Quandamooka musician Sachem.
Set against the island paradise backdrop of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke), the multi-artform festival provides the special opportunity to experience the continuing culture of the Nughi, Nunukul, and Goenpul clans of Quandamooka firsthand.
An annual winter festival, it will begin with a Traditional Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country for participants and audiences to celebrate the yalingila (whale) migration season. The gathering will then showcase a diverse lineup of cultural activities, including tours, Kunjiel (corroborees), music performances, food, weaving, arts, crafts, panel discussions, First Nations’ film, and more.
Saturday will see the return of the Kunjiel (corroboree/traditional dance) programming, with traditional dance groups attending and sharing cultural dance with locals and visitors. And as the sun sets over Minjerribah, 2024 attendees will be the first ever to experience the Quandamooka Film Festival, featuring films made by local creatives, emulating a drive-in movie experience that blends cultural celebration with cinematic storytelling.
“Quandamooka Festival is a great opportunity to bring the whole community and visitors together to celebrate culture and the arts, and learn more about Quandamooka Country; the sands, seas, sacred lakes, creeks, catchments and creatures found across the Redlands/Moreton Bay islands from the Quandamooka Peoples perspective”, says QYAC Chair, Cameron Costello.
The festival is part of QYAC’s arts and culture strategic plan Mara Millen Yagabili (many hands create), delivering on priorities that build on the native title outcomes to support a strong future for Quandamooka People.
Quandamooka Festival is a free-entry, mandatory registration event at QYAC campus Minjerribah Gunaba, 100 East Coast Road. Festival gates open 4pm Friday 30 August 2024.
Ticket registration opens next Tuesday 9th July at quandamookafestival.com.au. All registrations go in the running for travel and accommodation prizes for Quandamooka Festival 2024.