Junk-Fest returning to Katherine this weekend

Katherine is gearing up for one of its favourite events this weekend, with Junk-Fest taking place on Saturday.

Run by Katherine Regional Arts, Junk-Fest encourages Katherine residents to repurpose items heading for landfill into works of art. These sculptures are then exhibited at Junk-Fest, alongside a program of live music.

Northern Territory Major Events CEO Tim Watsford said the Junk-Fest is a great reason to get out and about this weekend.

“It’s fantastic to see people of all ages get involved in turning their trash into treasure, then come together to celebrate the results. Junk-Fest is a fantastic way to promote sustainable living,” he said.

Katherine Regional Arts Executive Officer Jacinta Mooney said Junk-Fest is a staple on the Katherine community calendar as it now enters its ninth consecutive year.

“Katherine is not only a regional town, but a hub for the whole Big Rivers region, and we are proud our event consistently reflects this diversity, from performers to guests,” she said.

“The continued support for Junk-Fest comes from the community for the community, so we thank everybody who has contributed and volunteered their time. We can’t wait to have a trashy time with you again this year!”

Everything at the festival must pass a sustainability test. This is principally achieved through a focus on no single-use plastics, repurposing and by offsetting event emissions through the Jawoyn Rangers burning program.

The music line-up this year caters for all music tastes, and features Katherine acts Gypsy Schmidt, Hope Campbell, Brassy and the K-Town Cruisers, Darwin’s The Neo, plus remote community rock bands the Collins sisters from Urapunga, the Wugular Drifters from Beswick and the Sandridge Band from Borroloola. The Katherine Regional Arts community choir will also perform.

Last year’s Junk-Fest attracted more than 1,200 people and community involvement was high, with 93 sculptures entered across a range of age groups.

This event is supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company.
Junk-Fest takes place at the Lindsay Street Complex from 5pm on Saturday, 5 June 2021.