Lúrra Festival returns to Maningrida

Manayingkarirra Lúrra Festival was held on 22-23 October this year with an exciting weekend of sport, music and cultural activities for the community to enjoy. 
The festival kicked off with a school showcase including water slides, badge making, live music and many interactive games hosted by Maningrida College. 
The Lúrra Festival officially opened with a Welcome to Kunibidji Country by David Jones. Joseph Diddo then shared the story of Lúrra: "The Lúrra is special and important for us. We live together. We share together. We work together in this community. We share learning and culture. Everything comes from the Lúrra. Come and join us".  
Valda and Charlie also announced an important message about the COVID-19 vaccine available at the clinic so we can continue to enjoy the things that matter safely!  The Bunggul then began under the setting sun, with the sharing of continuing cultural knowledge through traditional ceremonial dance. 
The Friday festivities ended with an incredible bush oven feast of freshly caught buffalo and fish supplied by Rangers and Fisheries crews.  
Maningrida's sporting prowess was a crowd favourite as the Saturday line up of kids’, men's and women’s basketball and AFL tournaments kicked off. 
There was an inspiring display of skills and sportsmanship throughout the weekend. 
The winning team trophies, MVP medallions and prizes were presented by Councillors Jacqueline Phillips and James Woods on the main stage.   
Lúrra Festival also hosted a spear-throwing comp, weaving workshops, hip hop dance comp, kids’ zone, Djomi Museum tour and poolside fun!  
To a beautiful sunset backdrop, a nursery floral arrangement and sand-filled runway, Babbarra Women’s Centre curated an unforgettable show of local designs with Maningrida’s very own superstar models in the Lúrra Fashion Parade.  
The event concluded with an entirely local line up of live bands that had the festival-goers on their feet, dancing into the night. Outstanding performances on centre stage from the Church band, Sunrize, Liverpool, JAHquavis, Naberlek, Dreamtime Naworrk, Ripple Effect, Letterstick and Wildfire Manwurrk to wrap up the 2021 festival.