In Pictures: Record crowds in awe as traditional dancers rock the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival

A record crowd turned out for the 35th Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival over the weekend.

Source: NITV News/Ella Archibald-Binge

With more than 9000 visitors coming through the gates on Sunday alone, Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival Event Coordinator, Tracey Ludwick, told NITV News the festival has become a cultural icon.

"This is probably one of the most dynamic festivals in Australia, becoming internally renowned as well,” she says.

Pormpuraaw was one of more than 20 communities to dance at the festival. Source: NITV News/Ella Archibald-Binge

"We have people who travel from all over the world to witness centuries of dancing from Cape York communities.

"They can see that culture has not died ­- not here in Cape York anyway, ­by the songs, the dances, the costumes.”

The three-day festival saw more than 20 dance groups from far north Queensland gather at a traditional bora ring site on Quinkan land in Cape York to showcase their culture.

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Lockhart River was one of three community dance groups to share the winners' shield. Source: NITV News/Ella Archibald-Binge

The crowds were lucky enough to feel the power of the ceremonial dances as performers stomped the ground and the dust filled the air at the traditional bora ring.

The Mayi Wumba dance group from Kuranda was a hit with the crowd. Source: NITV News/Ella Archibald-Binge

Dancers included men, women and children. The event provides the perfect opportunity for whole families and communities to pass down cultural knowledge and pride.

Through dancing, elders pass on their stories and culture to the next generation. Source: NITV News/Ella Archibald-Binge

Every group proudly boasted their costumes and props, the necessary accessories to tell the ancient stories represented in dance.

The festival takes place at a traditional bora ring site on Quinkan country in Cape York. Source: NITV News/Ella Archibald-Binge

Some groups travelled from afar to showcase their culture.

Groups travel from the tip of far north Queensland to perform at the festival. Source: NITV News/Ella Archibald-Binge