Homeground Festival 2017

Overview

Sydney's biggest celebration of First Nations culture is back this weekend as Homeground 2017 gets into gear.

Like previous years, the music and dance line-up is packed. Headlining the free two-day festival is Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project, performing an electronic collaboration to mark the 25th anniversary of 'Treaty'. Electric duo Electric Fields, Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal, soul singer Radical Son and The Medics lead singer, Kahl Wallis are also performing. On the movement front, Dance Rites, Australia's national Indigenous dance competition, will see dance troupes from across the country competing across the two days.

Homeground is also running a host of workshops and tours to give festivalgoers a chance to learn about First Nations culture. Introductory classes for all ages in weaving and dance will run over both days, with tours of the harbourside giving a glimpse into the Indigenous history of Bennelong. An interactive workshop, Moving Lab, incorporating images, songs, chants and a walk through nature will take you on a journey through Gadigal lands.

The Arts Market will also run again, with a multitude of stalls popping up on the Opera House's picturesque forecourt. There'll be art, accessories and bush food from Indigenous artists and growers. Hungry after all that shopping? There'll be food and beverage pop-ups, too, all using Australian native ingredients.

Homeground is free, but the activity bookings suggest things are likely to get crazy. This is definitely an early bird situation.

Images: Prudence Upton, Joseph Mayers and Daniel Boud.