January 26 is looming and while some choose not to mark it at all, there is the opportunity, if you choose, to celebrate the survival of First Nations people and culture through some amazing and inspired events around the country.
Share The Spirit, presented by Songlines Aboriginal Music, celebrates 20 years as the state's largest and longest-running Indigenous festival and returns to Arts Centre Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl for its third year as part of Live at the Bowl on January 26 – Survival Day.
The event provides an opportunity to come together, share a picnic or dance the night away to some of Australia's best First Nations talent while celebrating the survival of First Nations peoples in Australia in an important cultural gathering.
The festival boasts an eclectic mix of established and emerging local Indigenous artists who perform side-by-side to celebrate the achievements of all Indigenous peoples.
Dan Sultan, Bumpy and Jess Hitchcock have already been announced to play the event but joining them will be Charlie Campbell, Djirri Djirri Dancers, Doe Eyes, Gavin Somers, Jayden Lillyst & Aaron Morgan, Kool Mist, Maylene Yinar, Meriki Hood, Monica Karo, Stray Blacks, The Yappera Kids and Yambra.
Songlines CEO Robbie Bundle said:
"This year's stellar line-up is an interesting array of artists that offer a diversity of youth with some who either haven't played Share the Spirit before or haven't played with us in a long time. With this year's theme being Continuum: Those Who Tell Their Story In Song, it is even more important that we have these voices of the future take centre stage."
The festival also offering its festival-goers the opportunity to engage with dance, arts, market stalls and various cultural activities for all ages.
Share the Spirit runs from 11am – 7pm and is a FREE, non-ticketed family-friendly event that is drug and alcohol free and offers a safe space for all Australians and visitors to attend.
