Parrtijima a spectacular success

The 10th edition of Parrtjima – A Festival in Light came to a spectacular close over the weekend, drawing record crowds and dazzling the desert with its first-ever open-air orchestral performance.

Set beneath clear skies and framed by the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges, the Darwin Symphony Orchestra delivered a breathtaking starlit performance to 3,300 festivalgoers on Saturday – the highest nightly attendance in Parrtjima’s history.

The spectacular open-air concert was a fitting finale to 10 free nights of Aboriginal art, culture, music and storytelling in the heart of Australia.

The only Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima 2025 attracted more than 23,500 attendances to Alice Springs Desert Park — the second-highest overall attendance in the festival’s history. Visitors of all ages gathered to experience immersive light installations, live music, workshops, talks, markets, and more.

Curated around the 2025 theme ‘Timelessness’, this year’s Parrtjima featured the works of more than 20 First Nations artists across six major installations, supported by over 100 performers and special guests spanning music, comedy, visual arts, workshops, talks, and more.

New light installations included Three Generations of Station Women by Balanggarra and Yolŋu artist Molly Hunt, an animated tribute to the strength and legacy of Aboriginal stockwomen, and Hypnotic Reverberations, a dreamlike light and mist journey through Bobby West Tjupurrula’s Country.

The festival also debuted Transforming Light & Country by Lyall Giles, where visitors activated drums to trigger light rings and natural soundscapes, reflecting the bond between ancient sand dunes and waterholes. At the festival’s entrance, The Gateway offered a striking welcome with towering poles created by artists from Alice Springs’ Antulye, Irlpme, and Mparntwe estate groups.

Crowd favourites Grounded and the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show returned in 2025, bringing nearly two kilometres of the iconic ranges to life. Popular installations from previous Parrtjima festivals made a comeback as well, including Budgerigar Dreaming Ngatijirri Jukurrpa, featuring UV-lit neon bird sculptures, and The Language of Stockmen by Johnny Young and David Wallace, dramatically illuminated by lighting designer Richard Neville.

Live music also lit up this year’s Parrtjima program, showcasing some of Australia’s top Aboriginal musicians across nightly performances. Highlights included country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley, Northern Territory singer-songwriter Marlon, and acclaimed Noongar artist Bumpy.

In another new addition to the festival’s program, comedy made its debut with Aboriginal comedians Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra headlining Parrtjima’s first-ever comedy night.

Meanwhile, the popular Buy Blak Markets made a welcome return, presented by Desart and the NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), offering visitors the chance to explore and ethically purchase authentic Aboriginal art, fashion, and homewares.

Interactive workshops with renowned collectives like the Hermannsburg Potters and Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre added hands-on creativity to the festival experience, while thought-provoking talks brought together Aboriginal leaders, artists and innovators to explore culture, identity and storytelling.

Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO, said Parrtjima 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary.

“One of our biggest gatherings yet in the festival’s journey,” Ms Roberts said.

“Over 10 unforgettable nights, the atmosphere was alive with energy and deep emotion. From the moment the lights came on and our first welcome echoed across the desert, you could feel something truly special unfolding.

“Our speakers and performers empowered and inspired, the voices of the next generation rang out proud, and the festival delivered countless memorable moments. Having the Darwin Symphony Orchestra perform on the closing weekend was the perfect finale – a moment that will be remembered for years to come.

“Seeing artists moved to tears as their stories lit up the landscape was a powerful reminder of how deeply art and Country are intertwined – and what a privilege it is to share that with the world. Parrtjima continues to be a heartfelt celebration of Arrernte Country, showcasing the strength, beauty and timelessness of Aboriginal culture.”

 Parrtjima is supported by the award-winning Northern Territory Government and delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company, in partnership with events destination company We Are Gather and creative directors Grumpy Sailor.

 Sign up at parrtjima.com.au  to hear about the 2026 Parrtjima dates and start planning your next unforgettable trip to the Red Centre.

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