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

Festive-season Bangkok is the city of light

Bangkok is even more colourful than usual over the festive season.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has just launched the Bangkok Illumination Festival 2024, which will run through to January 5, 2025.

Running daily between 6-10pm, the festival features light and art installations.

"The year-end is a special time for Thailand, filled with the joy of celebrations and an abundance of events nationwide," said Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong.

"The Bangkok Illumination Festival 2024 beautifully highlights Thailand's position as a world-class event hub, combining vibrant artistry and cutting-edge innovation in night-time tourism.

"This event not only promises unforgettable moments for visitors but also underscores our efforts to stimulate economic growth and showcase the country's creative potential."

Visitors are invited to enjoy nine city landmarks, each filled with installations and light displays.

There are three routes that capture the essence of the fun, featuring dance hotspots, a picturesque canal adorned with colourful light displays, and a picnic experience in Benjasiri Park.