Annual Fish Creek favourite, the Fishstock Music Festival, is doing something a bit different this year. The grassroots festival is presenting GOORUMBOO - The Spirit of the Mountain, celebrating common ground between First Nation and local communities with a stellar lineup of artists, on 17 January.
The beloved local festival, which began in Fish Creek over 25 years ago as a volunteer-run event started by mates on a family farm, takes its 2026 theme from a powerful local victory.
After generations of fighting to protect significant cultural sites and endangered flora and fauna on the mountain overlooking the festival grounds, the community succeeded in stopping its planned destruction through collaboration between First Nation and local members. Festival organisers say that this spirit of shared purpose and positive outcomes achieved through working together forms the heart of this year's celebration.
The festival features multi award-winning First Nation singer-songwriter Kutcha Edwards, one of the country's most respected artists. Known as a former member of the band Blackfire and more recently fronting the Kutcha Edwards Band, Edwards has been described by Rhythms Magazine as "quite possibly the finest contemporary singer of his generation."
Award-winning Noongar woman and Naarm-based artist Bumpy brings her extraordinary vocal talent to the festival. Going by her childhood nickname - earned from a habit of bumping into obstacles - she pulls from strength found in tenderness, scars and all. Her shimmering collection of R&B and neo-soul delicately unravels to reveal a singer of captivating emotional power and towering talent.
Pioneering Aboriginal reggae artist Bart Willoughby, best known for life-altering Indigenous anthems like "We Have Survived," teams up with Tjimba Possum Burns of No Fixed Address. Tjimba, a First Nation musician from hip-hop group Tjimba and the Yung Warriors, combines hip hop with traditional Aboriginal themes of culture, land and pride.
The lineup also features Squid Nebula, Deans of Soul, Mini Waters, Quality Used Cars, Wayne Thorpe (born in Bratowaloong Clan country which includes the festival site), Ozone Street, Smiley Doherty and Bec's Bonny Boners.
Tickets are limited and available online only - no gate sales. https://events.humanitix.com/goorumboo-music-festival
