WEST Arnhem’s festival season came alive this month as Mahbilil and Gurrung lit up Kakadu, while out on Goulburn Island, Jamalak got the joint jumping. Festivalgoers feasted on all aspects of culture – from bush tucker to art, music and sport – but also got a dose of the region’s great sense of community. Mahbilil producer Scott Large said the festival was a great example of community spirit in action. "I'm a big believer in the role that arts and culture have in bringing communities together, and I think Jabiru proved that on the weekend." From bushfoods to spear throwing and weaving, all the sessions were well attended. On stage, the quality of the acts was impressive and Diesel n'Dub in particular were very good. Their big singalong of "Beds are Burning" got the whole crowd involved. But what seemed to get the biggest crowds were the traditional dance group Bininj Gunborrk and the crazy antics of Psycus Circus with the Jabiru Area School Circus.
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