Yaluk-ut Weelam Ngargee

The City of Port Phillip has announced the line-up for its annual free Indigenous cultural festival Yalukut Weelam Ngargee, taking place on Saturday 1 February in St Kilda's O'Donnell Gardens, next to Luna Park.

Much-loved Indigenous vocalist Emma Donovan will be joined by her band The Putbacks, bringing their passionate and soulful sound that has won admirers across the globe. Other performers include emerging local songwriter Kee'ahn, popular 80s group Coloured Stone and powerhouse alternative rock band Key Hoo.

The complete line-up of musical talent also includes John Wayne Parsons, First Nations singer-songwriter Pirritu, The Struggling Kings hailing from Perth, the melodic Benny Walker and enchanting Melbourne-based poet, actor and songwriter Monica Karo.

Festivalgoers can take part in a range of activities including a dance and performance workshop run by Indigenous Hip Hop Projects, a team of talented artists who aim to deliver messages about achieving social and emotional wellbeing through movement and self-expression. A cooking demo will be held by Mabu Mabu, a Torres Strait owned and run business with an emphasis on using fresh, seasonal and native ingredients to create beautiful dishes that bring people together. Aunty Bronwyn from Mirrnong Minnie will be on hand to deliver an educational Bush Animals workshop for animal lovers.

Other entertainment includes Wanyara for children aged 5- 12, sports activities with Police and Citizen's Youth Club (PCYC) for those aged 10-18, and a Bush Foods and Survival Plants workshop with Walkabout Education.

Delicious food will be in abundance with Mabu Mabu dishing up tasty eats for guests 11am–5pm, alongside other food vendors to be later announced.

A wide range of market stalls will be open from 11am–5pm, providing attendees the opportunity to purchase handcrafted, unique goods from creators such as Haus of Dizzy, Wanyara, Collectemall, Gammin Threads, Mara Metal Art and Yarn Strong Sista. Other market stalls will be held by organisations including the Australian Defence Force, Willin Centre Melbourne University, Star Health, and the City of Port Phillip.

City of Port Phillip Mayor Cr Bernadene Voss said, "The 2020 Yaluk-ut Weelam Ngargee marks 15 years of exceptional Indigenous talent and proud sharing of culture. We're very proud of this terrific line-up which offers something for everyone."

Yaluk-ut Weelam Ngargee
Saturday 1 February 2020, 11AM – 7PM
O'Donnell Gardens, St Kilda
ywnf.com.au