Festival program sure to impress

Mud football, the Mardis Gras and renowned Long Table Dinner on the marsh will all be returning in a jampacked 23-event Derby Boab Festival this year.

Various activities will take place from July 5 to July 21 at various locations in the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, with supporting events happening every weekend from this Saturday.

New events include the Willare Rock Festival and Fitzroy Crossing Ball while returning favourites include the Kimberley Art Prize, Mowanjum Festival and Bush Poets Breakfast.

Committee president Bill Hart said the iconic Festival — now operating in its 53rd year — was a fantastic time for people to visit the region and enjoy the festivities.

“The Boab Festival has proven itself to be a great catalyst for locals and visitors to come together and celebrate the start of the dry season, experience the buzz around town and explore the surrounding region,” he said.

“Derby is an inspiring destination and this year our Boab Fest programme is looking better than ever.

“We have the Boab Quest returning after one year out and a newly formed committee in Fitzroy to help facilitate a stronger festival presence over there.”

Derby Boab Festival began in 1961 and has now earned national recognition as the longest-running town festival in WA and one of Australia’s most remote festivals, celebrating the unique lifestyle and culture of the region.

The festival is run by a volunteer committee of eight community members.

For more information or to view the festival program, visit www.derbyboabfestival.org.au.