Troy Cassar-Daley lights up Parrtjima

Country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley delivered a powerful performance under the starry skies of Central Australia on the second night of Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Cassar-Daley brought his signature storytelling and cultural connections to life, captivating a diverse crowd of art and music lovers of all ages.

Grounded at Parrtjima. All images courtesy of. the Parrtjima Festival.

With proud Aboriginal heritage through his mother, a Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung woman, Cassar-Daley is one of several highly anticipated music acts lighting up this year’s festival.

Next weekend, Parrtjima will host its first-ever open-air orchestral performance, as the Darwin Symphony Orchestra takes the stage for a special closing-weekend concert. The 50+ piece ensemble will perform under the open sky, joined by celebrated Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams, and Bronwyn Stuart.

This special 10th edition of Parrtjima began on Friday, drawing thousands to Alice Springs Desert Park for a free ten-night celebration of Aboriginal art, culture, and technology.

Inspired by the 2025 theme Timelessness, the festival celebrates the world’s oldest continuous culture through breathtaking light installations, live performances, and immersive experiences.

Troy Cassar Daley in conversation with Rhoda Roberts.

Returning favourites such as the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show and Grounded installations feature alongside four new large-scale works by Aboriginal artists.

More than 20 First Nations artists are represented across six major installations at this year’s Parrtjima, supported by over 100 performers and guests spanning music, comedy, visual arts, workshops, talks, and more.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs nightly until 13 April 2025.

Free registration is available now at: parrtjima.com.au