Sarah Martin, Cape York Weekly

Glastonbury, Burning Man and Woodford have nothing on the special vibes of Wallaby Creek Festival, according to international didgeridoo and dance music phenomenon Ganga Giri, who is one of the headline acts at the event.

The quietly-spoken musician credits his success to energy, his mum, and a dream as a kid.

“I used to drive the teachers batty at school, always drumming on things, full of energy, so they spoke to mum and she borrowed a drum kit from friends,” Giri said.

“I loved it so much, she got a second job so she could buy me a drum kit and paid for lessons, and I really took to it – my mum is an amazing person.”

His passion for the didgeridoo started with a dream of himself playing the ancient instrument as a youngster, which he revealed to a neighbour, who leant him hers.

“It was like the dream came back to me when I closed my eyes, and I taught myself how to play in a very short time,” Giri said.

Despite touring all over the world as a solo artist and with his band, Giri said Wallaby Creek was special.

“It’s one of those festivals where you can wander around and meet people and get involved and be part of it,” he said.

“You can feel the community spirit, I love it, I’ve been there a couple of times before and I really like the nice family friendly vibe.”

The festival runs from September 23 to 25, with three stages of live music, as well as workshops, circus, dance, street theatre, and croc-free swimming.

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 13 September 2022.