The festival is a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to dance, sing and share stories dating back 65,000+ years, under ancient night skies. The program includes Wiradjuri dancing, live music, a parade of illuminated lanterns, workshops in Wiradjuri language, traditional weaving and boomerang throwing, fishing with the elders, stargazing with astronomers and Indigenous food.
Now in its third year, Condo ‘Skyfest’ Miima Warrabinya (Seeking the Stars), is offering a series of new and immersive events this year. For the first time the ‘Regenerative Futures Expo’ Miima-gu Ngaahna (Reaching for the Stars), will see Indigenous makers displaying and selling their work, including weaving, paintings, craft and produce.
“Skyfest is a celebration of culture, an artistic festival where people can connect to Country through dance, music and stories. It affirms a sense of belonging and presents visions of a better future for us all.” said Mr Harold (Ally) Coe, CEO of the host organisation, Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation.
On 2 September the Condo Skyfest Gala Dinner will celebrate local gastronomy, with food prepared by Juru chef, Gerald Power, and his crew from Indigenous Cultural Adventures in Orange.
The Skyfest main event on Saturday 3 September is free from 1-10pm and includes:
- Wiradjuri dancers, singer-songwriters and storytelling
- A sunset parade of lanterns and a dramatic fire sculpture as a grand finale
- Stargazing with Donna the Astronomer from Coonabarabran’s Milroy Observatory and Wiradjuri stargazer Steve Taylor from Cowra
- Cultural heritage tours to sites of significance with local Wiradjuri guides
- SistaShed Workshops with Aunty Beverley Coe to learn traditional weaving and other skills
- Space Play interactive 3-D augmented reality projection of the solar system
- Workshops in Wiradjuri language, lantern-making, boomerang throwing and damper-cooking
- Children’s activities, including fun Wiradjuri-speaking muppets and a Wombat Wobble dance-off
Condobolin, in Lachlan Shire, has a population of around 3,500, of whom more than one quarter identify as First Nations. It is a five and a half-hour drive from Sydney or a flight to Parkes and drive. Other things to do in the area include the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail, fishing, bird watching and the Condobolin Museum.
Go to www.skyfest.com.au for more information and tickets.
