Each year the first words of Melbourne Festival come from those who have carried this land's stories the longest—the First Peoples of Melbourne.

Tanderrum is a ceremony of the five clans of the Central Kulin Nation—a communal celebration that reaches across time to a tradition that has been hidden since European arrival. Five years ago the Kulin Nation brought Tanderrum back to central Melbourne to open the Festival. This cross-cultural moment has quickly become an essential and living element of Melbourne Festival, and a Welcome to Country for local and international artists and audiences.

This year’s Tanderrum will end with a Kulin Nation tribute to the murrup (spirit) of William Barak. Barak was Ngurungeta—a leader, warrior and spokesperson for Wurundjeri Country. For the final dance the Kulin Nation invite you to join them for a song reclaimed from rare historical recordings of Barak.

With sand, fire, leaves and bark a space is made, and it's a space to be shared.

Please note permission is required to record and capture images of the ceremony and those participating. We ask you respect the request of the clans of the Kulin nation and their families.