Bulga Beats Festival would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the festival is held, the Wonnarua people of the hills and plains. We recognise their continued connection to the waters, plains and mountains of this beautiful place, and acknowledge that they never ceded sovereignty. We pay our respect to all Wonnarua Elders past, present and emerging.
Bulga Beats planted a seed in 2015, a seed that would grow an experience bringing communities and people together in celebration. Once a year the festival provides a safe and encouraging environment for all ages, religions, and walks of life to come together to listen, learn and love.
The festival was born out of a cry for connection and positivity within a divided community. The local progress association (BMPA) wanted to create an event that utilizes what Bulga has to offer while attracting younger people and more tourism to the area. Over the years we have successfully incorporated community assets including:
- Local hall and community center
- Free camp / recreation grounds
- local businesses
- Wollemi National Park
Each year the festival grows in spirit, entertainment and activities for all to enjoy, as we believe festivals can be a platform for change, learning and connection. The festival was founded and organised by locals who have poured their time and money into the event for it to run each year. We believe when communities come together they can achieve anything, we dream of a sustainable community focused on teaching, learning and enjoying with an open mind and a loving heart.
Our first few years attracted a huge range of support from all over the country, we were a pay what you can festival. Artists, musicians and actors all offered support to Bulga, who were fighting a coal expansion threatening the village. Xavier Rudd, John Butler, Ash Grunwald and Actor Michael Caton (Pictured above) are just a few who signed guitars to auction at the festival.
Every year the festival tries to incorporate the traditional custodians of the land we celebrate on. We run free guided walks on the last day with 6th generation locals taking us on a short journey to see near by sites from afar. We have been blessed in past festival to have the support from local dance group Wakagetti bringing ceremony and story to the festival.
We change, grow and redesign the festival each year but our core values always stay the same. To provide a safe and supportive environment for all to connect, dance, build community spirit and unify fir a more positive future.
With gratitude,
Vahid Roser
BBF Director
bulgabeatsfestival.com 