A spectacular mix of traditional and contemporary cultural performances are set to excite fans in the pre-match and half-time entertainment for the 20th anniversary of the annual Dreamtime at the 'G match between Richmond and Essendon on Saturday, May 25.
The highly anticipated Dreamtime at the 'G pre-match show will feature a world-class lighting show that will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through movement, sound, smoke and colour.
Narrating the cultural journey of the pre-match entertainment will be proud Yorta Yorta/Wurundjeri man and Australian rapper Briggs while new First Nations hip-hop supergroup 3%, Wurundjeri female dance group Djirri Djirri and performers from the Wulumbarra, Koorie Youth Will Shake Spear, Bandok Tati groups and Dreamtime Contemporary Dancers will delight fans as part of the pre-match show.
The Dreamtime at the ‘G match will begin with a Welcome to Country conducted by proud Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr, while the Richmond and Essendon Football Clubs will each perform a Dreamtime ceremony dance prior to the opening bounce.
Half-time entertainment will feature talented multi-instrumentalist DJ and producer Cyril who is set to entertain fans with his signature beats.
Twenty years on since he made his iconic walk to Canberra, AFL great Michael Long will return to the G to lead the annual Long Walk march commencing at Yarra Park and finishing with a lap inside the MCG in front of thousands of fans.
PIC OF BRIGGS
AFL Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said this year’s entertainment would be the perfect celebration for the AFL’s annual Dreamtime at the ‘G match.
“The AFL is proud to have a host of wonderfully talented First Nations artists and performers join us at the MCG for the annual Dreamtime match as we continue to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round,” Ms Hosch said.
“This year’s theme of Spirit Strong, Game On talks to the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their enduring spirit, and we’re excited to facilitate this celebration through the platform of footy and bring this to life on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people, that is set to excite fans both at the game and at home on the screens.”
Performing for the first time together at the MCG, 3% and Cyril said they were looking forward to the occasion.
“Growing up, I used to watch teams play at the MCG and thought I'd really love to go. Now, I'm playing there for Dreamtime at the ‘G, which is truly something special,” Cyril said.
"From the club war cry performances to the annual Long Walk, the Dreamtime game is one of the biggest events on the mob calendar, bringing all mobs together and showcasing our culture and spirit to the world. It’s such an honour for us to share and perform on this epic stage. All our personal tribes will be watching with pride. See you soon Naarm,” 3% member Dallas Woods said.
PIC OF CYRIL
To support this year’s celebrations, AFL partner AAMI will provide more than 7,000 tickets to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and community organisations to enjoy the Dreamtime at the ‘G experience as part of the AFL’s Community Ticketing Program.
AAMI’s Executive General Manager, Brand and Customer Experience, Mim Haysom said, “AAMI is proud to extend our support to the community ticketing scheme once again in 2024 and is thrilled to be able to support our First Nations communities and celebrate the immense contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made, and continue to make, to the AFL.”
A select number of gates for the Dreamtime at the ‘G match will open from 2:15pm ahead of the VFL curtain raiser match between Richmond and Essendon at 2:35pm, with the pre-match entertainment to commence at 7pm (EST).
Fans can tune in to watch the Dreamtime at the ‘G entertainment from 7pm (EST) on the Seven Network with the full match broadcast commencing from 7:30pm EST on the Seven Network, Foxtel & Kayo.
KEY TIMINGS:
- 2.15pm: Gates 1,3,6 open
- 2.35pm: VFL match start – Richmond v Essendon
- 5:30pm: Gates 4,5,7 open
- 6.10pm: The Long Walk
- 7.00pm: Pre-match entertainment commences featuring Briggs, 3%, Djirri Djirri and Wulumbarra, Koorie Youth Will Shake Spear and Bandok Tati dance groups and a Welcome to Country conducted by Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr
- 7.15pm: Pre-match entertainment concludes
- 7.34pm: Dreamtime Ceremony performance by Essendon & Richmond Football Clubs
- 7.38pm: Coin Toss
- 7.40pm: Match Start
- Half time: Half time performance on Ponsford stage from DJ & Producer Cyril
- Post Game: Presentation of Yiooken Trophy to best on ground by Aunty Pam Pedersen OAM & Michael Long.
