THE team behind The Art Shack Wilgabah has launched the Yuga-Li Gathering Festival, a new and vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture, creativity, and community connection.

Yuga-Li Gathering Festival to be held Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 at Wallabadah, against the backdrop of the Liverpool Plains.

The inaugural event promises a rich and immersive experience in First Nations culture, including hands-on workshops, artisan markets and live music.

Held during National Reconciliation Week, the festival stands as both a joyful exploration of culture and a meaningful act of reconciliation.

“Yuga-Li” – the Gamilaroi word for “celebration”– captures the spirit of the festival.

Festival director Tania Hartigan said reconciliation begins with connection.

“We are excited to welcome people to Wilgabah to explore culture, art, music, knowledge-sharing and storytelling in this truly unique setting,” Ms Hartigan said.

“Reconciliation begins with connection and we hope that Yuga-Li can provide an opportunity for all Australians of all ages to get together and celebrate Gamilaroi culture, connect with Indigenous traditions and explore the multiplicity of the Liverpool Plains.”

Legend Roger Knox will star at Yuga-Li Gathering Festival.

Festival highlights include:

Learning to make a didgeridoo from scratch with renowned musician and prolific creator, Mark Atkins;

Learning to make clap sticks or spear with artist Tyler Stackman-Green; and

Learning the art of traditional weaving, led by Ngarrabul Elder, Waabii Adelle Chapman-Burgess.

Bookings are also available for an Aboriginal cultural tour exploring Wilgabah’s Aboriginal Heritage Site and keeping place.

Tickets are also available for the Yuga-Li Gathering Concert, an evening of live music under the stars featuring renowned didgeridoo player and musician Mark Atkins, and country star Roger Knox, following the release of his latest album.

An on-site bar will operate and guests can also enjoy a camp oven cook-up.

The concert will also include sets from Col Hardy, Kevin Anderson, Rae Moody, and The Thundercats.

The Yuga-Li Gathering Festival is supported by Engie, Arts North West, First Stories, Workforce Australia and the Artshack@Wilgabah.

Yuga-Li Gathering Festival

When: Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1

Where: Art Shack at Wilgabah, 107 Baldocks Road, Wallabadah

Cost: Access to the markets on Saturday, May 31 is free.

All other events are ticketed; full details at www.theartshack.com.au/events.