Festival shines a light on Indigenous culture

Parrtjima, the annual award-winning Aboriginal-led light festival, returns to Alice Springs from April 10-19 for its 11th instalment, showcasing the world’s oldest living culture through large-scale light installations and a program of workshops, demonstrations, music and storytelling.

The festival will offer an expanded program this year under the theme Language, featuring new light installations, more workshops and interactive experiences and new masterclasses. 

The Indigenous-driven festival will also offer a new outdoor space called Dome, designed as a dedicated space for attendees to “pause, watch, and reflect on culture through film and animation”. 

There will also be a series of optional ticketed events beyond the main festival site, including watercolour masterclasses with artists from Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre, and a Merne Mwerre bushfood experience. 

The evet will showcase the work of more than 36 First Nations artists, as well as over 50 performers and guests across live music, dance, workshops and talks.

“This year invites us to come together at Parrtjima, where language and culture continue to illuminate age‑old traditions in new and powerful ways," says said Tourism and Events NT advisory board chairperson Paul Ah Chee.

"This program echoes the enduring legacy of Country and the stories that connect us across generations.

“We welcome everyone to come stand on the red earth, feel its heartbeat beneath your feet, and look up as Arrernte Country comes alive across the majestic MacDonnell Ranges.” 

The popular markets return during the opening weekend, and much-loved festival favourites Grounded and the iconic Ranges Light Show will run over 10 nights, reimagined by Artists in Motion.

The music programming includes Electric Fields, 3%, BARKAA, Drifting Clouds and Emma Donovan.

* Parrtjima is delivered by Tourism and Events NT in partnership with We Are Gather.

Check out parrtjima.com.au, where visitors can also explore itineraries, travel packages and planning tools. 

Images: Supplied

Shining a light on First Nations culture

Autumn is when Australia's Northern Territory comes alive with festivals, including Parrtjima - A Festival in Light - which celebrates light, colour, and artistry while celebrating the rich cultures, diversity, and inclusivity of people of Central Australia.

Parrtjima - A Festival in Light has unveiled the full program for its milestone 10th edition, which runs from April 4-13 in Alice Springs. 

The only Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima will feature more than 20 First Nations artists across six installations, alongside more than 100 performers and special guests spanning music, comedy, art, workshops, and talks. 

The free, all-ages festival will debut four new installations by both emerging and established artists. 

Along with art, Parrtjima will feature nightly live performances, including Troy Cassar-Daley’s only free performance announced for the remainder of 2025, and a historic ticketed orchestral performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. 

Additionally, Parrtjima will host its inaugural comedy night with stand-up performances by Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra, plus interactive workshops and talks led by notable figures such as Bundjalung chef Mark Olive, language holder and ecologist Veronica Perrule Dobson, filmmaker Rachel Perkins, and ABC Radio National’s Rudi Bremer.

For details see https://parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/