Tjungu Festival, a celebration of Australian indigenous culture, will return to Ayers Rock Resort on 26-29 April.
The festival, which features music, dance, film, fashion, food, sport and more, will include a special focus on Indigenous art, as well as a performance by famous Australian country music performer Troy Cassar-Daley.
Other highlights of the four-day festival include an Indigenous fashion parade, featuring top Indigenous model Samantha Harris, while celebrity chef Mark Olive is set to return to present the “Tastes of Tjungu Desert Dining Experience” under the stars, featuring a contemporary bush foods-inspired menu.
The annual Tjungu Cup, including softball and AFL matches featuring local football teams, will also return, supported by AFL hero and Indigenous rights ambassador Nicky Winmar. Guests will also enjoy regular free Indigenous activities including Bush Yarns, Anangu Way Language and Cultural classes, a Bush Food Experience, and an Ecology and Museum Tour of the region’s history, geology, flora and fauna.
Andrew Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, said: “Tjungu (pronounced tjoo-ngoo) means coming together in local Anangu language, and the festival brings together the best of traditional and contemporary Indigenous culture, providing a platform for exciting new performers, designers and producers. This year we are pleased to introduce a new art initiative which will shine a spotlight on prominent and emerging Central Australian artists.
“Ayers Rock Resort is renowned for offering exceptional Indigenous Tourism experiences for guests and the Tjungu Festival takes this to an even higher level.”