More people from across Victoria and interstate can be part of St Kilda Festival’s opening day First Peoples First this year, with boosted investment to ensure the event will be bigger and better for more people to enjoy.
More than 25,000 people are expected to flock to St Kilda’s foreshore this Saturday for the free event, thanks to a $40,000 investment from the Victorian Government.
First Peoples First is a free festival that celebrates First Peoples music, art and culture, with this year’s event boasting an epic lineup of First Peoples artists including Birren, The Merindas, Mo’Ju and Eleanor Jawurlngali Triad who will perform across two stages on the St Kilda Foreshore.
The festival will also feature family activities including cultural arts workshops, traditional dances, Indigenous hip hop performances, and a First Peoples market featuring stalls by local First People’s fashion, art and craft labels including Haus of Dizzy, Creed Custom Designs and Gagaru Creations.
The boosted investment is backing more Victorian First Peoples artists to perform at the event and support the Festival’s partnership with The Archie Roach Foundation which helps emerging talent take to the stage.
There will also be a welcome from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and a traditional Closing Sunset ceremony named Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah, meaning together we rise up with knowledge, which will include 30 performers and celebrate Boonwurrung culture, including songs, music and dancers.
Support for this event aligns with the Creative State 2025 strategy and its commitment to maximise opportunities for and increase representation of First Peoples in the creative industries.
Run by the City of Port Philip, St Kilda Festival’s First Peoples First will be held on Saturday 17 February.
For more information visit stkildafestival.com.au