The highly anticipated First Nations-led festival YIRRAMBOI has released 90 per cent of their 2025 program, set to transform the streets of Naarm/Melbourne over the 10-day showcase.

Since 2017 YIRRAMBOI has provided a stage for First Nations artists, performers, creatives and communities to thrive.

Returning for its fifth iteration from 1 to 11 May, YIRRAMBOI is focussed on reclaiming centre stage in Narrm's arts precinct with its dedicated festival hub, the Uncle Jack Charles – named as a tribute to the late trailblazer of First Nations storytelling.

The 2025 festival will explore the theme 'Futures, Past,' celebrating the connection between the past and present, as we look forward to the paving the way for future generations.

Wakka Wakka and Kabi Kabi co-lead and lead creative producer, J-Maine Beezley told Style Up YIRRAMBOI is "a cultural and community responsibility, we facilitate and create a platform that provides a stage for authentic and unapologetic voices and stories to be heard".

Breaking down barriers on how First Nations "art" is traditionally perceived is central to the mission of YIRRAMBOI, as it highlights the diversity of Indigenous cultures and people around the nation - as well as on a global scale.

"We remove the red tape on what's perceived to be First Nations art, we highlight our diversity and bring the stories of now, to centre stage," he said.

This year's festival will be guided by - Legacy, Joy, Reclamation and Akin.

Taungurung and Filipino co-lead and lead creative, Sherene Stewart emphasised the foundation of these four pillars in forming the festival's most ambitious program to date.

"'Legacy' is both a gift and a responsibility, intricately woven into the very fabric of our communities," she said.

"The wisdom and strength of those who came before us, whose foundations laid the groundwork and shaped the path we walk today."

Interpreting 'Joy' as a vessel of "resistance and resilience," Stewart explains this pillar "underscores the festival's dedication to celebrating who we are, our creativity, and cultural vitality".

Through the pillar of 'Reclamation,' a driving force behind the curation process has been to foster a space where "identity, cultural expressions and visibility" are celebrated.

To Stewart, honouring the pillar of 'Akin' shines a spotlight on the interconnectedness of global First Nations communities, allowing for cross-cultural dialogue - a central feature of the festival.

Announcing its inaugural global First Nations program earlier this year, a Canadian delegation from Turtle Island is set to journey to Australia for the event, in what is expected to be "a powerful celebration of shared histories, diversity and the enduring solidarity".

"It acknowledges the collective strength, unity, and solidarity found in these relationships," Stewart said.

Steered by an all-First Nations producing and curatorial team, Beezley highlighted that it was important to work as equals and pay homage to the collective of voices leading the event.

"Our producing and curatorial team are all First peoples, we work as equals, we make collective decisions and honour that we all have our part to play within the community and we carry that through to the festival," he said.

As for the program, Blakyard is making its highly anticipated return, alongside the fan-favourite Blackout, as YIRRAMBOI sets the stage for groundbreaking new performances.

Highlights include Marrugeku's Cut the Sky and Motherless Collective's Three Blak Ravers.

The powerful story of respected Taungurung Elder Larry Walsh will be brought to life through the theatre performance Lazarus, while Alexis West and Kamarra Bell-Wykes will present House Arrest - an exploration of transgenerational trauma, connection and escapism.

More than just a festival, Stewart describes YIRRAMBOI as a "response to the aspirations, dreams, and stories of our communities here in Victoria".

"YIRRAMBOI empowers and amplifies First Nations voices by creating a platform that is unapologetically ours - a space where we can showcase our stories, our culture, and our creativity without compromise," she said.

"The festival provides a platform for our voices to reach audiences locally, nationally, and internationally, reminding the world of the brilliance that comes from our communities.

"It's about creating a space where First Nations artists can lead the conversation, set the agenda, and define what it means to be a First Nations creative today."

Gunnai, Kurnai, Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri DJ Sky Thomas (aka Soju Gang) has taken on the role of music producer for YIRRAMBOI telling Style Up that the upcoming showcase is, "safety, validating and being seen".

"It's special being part of an event that is made of community blackfellas who love art or are artists themselves," she said.

When asked about what audiences can expect from the 10-day festival, she shared, "to assume nothing and expect anything".

"YIRRAMBOI is getting bigger every run we have, but it feels warm and familiar," she said.

"It celebrates us, how far we've come and understanding the path laid out before us to continue down, understanding that we are not a monolith so the way we experience, practice, perform and create shouldn't be viewed as monolithic either."

Attesting to the individual essence shaping the program, Thomas explained they strive to create a space where First Nations creatives and communities can authentically express themselves without being confined to traditional or stereotypical expectations.

Ensuring that their work is culturally safe, rooted in community and nurtured through ongoing relationships beyond the festival itself has been a guiding force for the team behind the festival.

"We allow our creatives, and furthermore, our community to show up as they are. There isn't a set idea of what First Nations art/performance looks like, sounds like, feels like," said Thomas.

"Indigenous creativity is limitless and we hope to continue to create space for that to exist for our artists. We also connect with our artists and community on a grassroots level.

"Our job and responsibility to Mob does not finish when the festival does.

"We continue and build our relationships with our artists, we check in with community and participate in community events. We are community members working for our community."

As YIRRAMBOI prepares to light up Naarm/Melbourne in 2025, the festival stands as a testament to the power of culture, community, and creativity.

"The best way people can support YIRRAMBOI Festival 2025 and the incredible artists involved is by showing up - physically and emotionally," said Beezley.

"Attend the events, engage with the work, and take the time to understand the stories being shared.

"Knowledge is power, however, knowledge is nothing without understanding. Come with open hearts."