Shinju spirit burns brightly

Sammy the Dragon may have returned to his slumber for another year, but the spirit of Shinju burned brightly long after the sun set over the weekend, as this year's extraordinary festival came to a spectacular close.

Once again, organisers pulled out all the stops to deliver an explosive 10 days of colour, action and entertainment with many drawcards this year, from a high profile gala evening to family and community events.

Now in its 43rd year, the festival of the pearl showcases and celebrates the town's diverse multiculturalism and rich local history.

Among the highlights this year was the popular long table lunch, Dalisa Pigram's special performance by Dalisa Pigrim in Gudirr Gudirr, FRINGE WORLD and the Japanese Film Festival.

Saturday's glitzy gala evening, sponsored by Galwey Pearls, attracted many well-attired guests who enjoyed fine food and entertainment from local artists, and special guests including Perth's leading opera singers, Divalicious, and Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys, who drew many to the dance floor.

Youngsters enjoyed different activities including Little Sammy's Family Day, Mardi Gras, Carnival of the Sea and Pets in the Park.

The festival concluded on Sunday with Woodside's fantastic fireworks display.

Shinju Matsuri president Stephen "Baamba" Albert hailed this year's festival another huge success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the "fantastic" organisers and volunteers, as well as the generosity of all the sponsors.

"Every year we're under pressure to put on a good show and I think we put on a good show again," he said.

Mr Albert said the festival evoked "liyan" (good feeling) among the community, with a plethora of events to complement everyone.

"It's great to be part of the Shinju mob and Broome itself, it's community run, and (for) people willing to be part of a wonderful town such as ours," he said.