Parrtjima dazzles red centre in spectacular opening weekend

The opening weekend of Parrtjima – A Festival in Light – wrapped up in spectacular style, with thousands flocking to Alice Springs (Mparntwe) for a dazzling celebration of Aboriginal culture, art, and music under the star-studded skies of Central Australia.

Marking its milestone 10th edition, Parrtjima has already welcomed more than 7,000 attendances over its first three nights since opening last Friday, with Saturday recording the third-highest nightly attendance in the festival’s history.

“What a weekend! Parrtjima opened with a powerful burst of light and a timeless welcome,” Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO, said.

“We witnessed the emotional responses of our artists as their work came to life. Our speakers felt deeply empowered, and the voices of the next generation rang out strong and proud.

“The Gathering Round had people on their feet as the music rocked with Marlon, and on Saturday night, Troy Cassar-Daley took us on a magical journey through the ballads and songs of our Australia.”

Running every night at Alice Springs Desert Park until 13 April 2025, the free, all-ages festival continues to transform the MacDonnell Ranges with breathtaking installations, interactive workshops, and captivating performances – all inspired by this year’s theme: ‘Timelessness’.

Opening weekend lit up the desert with returning favourites like the beloved MacDonnell Ranges Light Show and Grounded, alongside the debut of four striking new works by Aboriginal artists.

This year’s program features six major installations by more than 20 Aboriginal artists, supported by over 100 performers and special guests across music, comedy, visual arts, workshops, and talks.

Installation highlights include Three Generations of Station Women by Balanggarra and Yolŋu artist Molly Hunt – an animated homage to the strength and legacy of Aboriginal stockwomen – and Hypnotic Reverberations, a dreamlike journey through Bobby West Tjupurrula’s Country, where beams of light twist through mist in a constantly evolving landscape.

Much-loved works from past Parrtjima festivals also make a return in 2025, including Budgerigar Dreaming Ngatijirri Jukurrpa, featuring UV-lit neon bird sculptures, and The Language of Stockmen by Johnny Young and David Wallace – towering four-metre installations brilliantly lit from within by Australian lighting maestro Richard Neville.

Parrtjima’s opening weekend also saw the return of the popular Buy Blak Markets, a collaboration between Desart and the NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), offering visitors the chance to explore and ethically purchase Aboriginal art and crafts.

Live music took centre stage each night, featuring some of the country’s top First Nations talent. NT singer-songwriter Marlon opened Friday with a soulful blend of funk and R&B, followed by country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley on Saturday, delivering an intimate performance of his beloved classics. Sunday night saw award-winning Noongar artist Bumpy captivate the crowd, her stunning vocals echoing across the clear desert sky.

Interactive workshops with the Hermannsburg Potters and Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, along with thought-provoking panel talks, rounded out a weekend of immersive and inspiring cultural experiences.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light continues nightly until 13 April, featuring more light shows, installations, workshops, live performances, and panel discussions.

Next weekend will see a festival-first: an open-air orchestral performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, joined by celebrated Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams, and Bronwyn Stuart, performing under the stars in a grand closing-weekend concert.

Parrtjima is supported by the 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.

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