It seems that 2011 is an auspicious year for the 19th Laura Dance Festival with more communities, dancers, stall holders, supporters and entertainers than ever before.

The Ang-Gnarra Festival grounds, 15km from Laura, will reverberate with the thrill of hundreds of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers from Cape York as well as the sound of local indigenous music.  

During set up and arrivals on Friday 17 June there will be Forum sessions prior to the Opening Ceremony at 7pm. The traditional Welcome to Country will be held with the Traditional owners and the community of Laura.  

The visiting Cape York Communities dance groups are then invited to respond, ensuring an Opening Ceremony of unforgettable proportions.

Attending from all over the Cape will be the community dance groups and their families and supporters from Aurukun, Bamaga, Coen, Injinoo, Hope Vale, Lockhart River, Kowanyama, Kuranda, Mossman, Pormpuraaw, Wujal Wujal, Western Yalanji, Yarrabah and Yindinji.

Guest dance groups from Yolngu, SA, Anangu, Wangetti, Shalom College and Djarragan College are also attending the festival and will present dance performances over the three day event along with over 75 stall holders, musicians, entertainers, children’s activities, the Cape York Art Award and other
events that will delight visitors of all ages.

As the dust rises and the camp fires crackle, local communities and visitors alike, will be witness to the magic that makes the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival such a unique experience.  

For more information go to the Laura Dance Festival website or call the Quinkan Cultural Centre on 07 4060 3457. Tickets are available at the gate from 8am, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.