Visitors looking to immerse themselves in Parrtjima – A Festival in Light are reminded to get in quick, with just five nights left to enjoy the festival and marvel at the famous MacDonnell Ranges Light Show.
Thousands of visitors have enjoyed the busy festival so far, with the biggest Monday and Tuesday crowds in the history of the event (more than 2,100 attendees on Monday, and more than 2,400 on Tuesday). Parrtjima began in 2016.
So far, visitors have enjoyed large-scale light installations, plus a program packed with music from the likes of The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, Radical Son, Richard J Frankland, JK-47 and Docker River Band. Talks, workshops, demonstrations and films have also provided plenty of entertainment for people from across the region, the country and overseas.
The line-up continues with talks to come from some top indigenous voices, including Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris OAM, director of From the Heart Dean Parkin, and footy player Rulla Kelly-Mansell.
There will be live music from Eastern Reggae Band, Emily Wurramara, Kaiit and The Merindas, plus a watercolour workshop with Iltja Ntjarra – Many Hands, and a jewellery-making workshop with Ikuntji Artists.
This year’s theme, Listening with Heart, shares the rich and vibrant Aboriginal culture of Central Australia. Inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart, Listening with Heart embodies the concept of coming together, meeting and taking the time to contemplate and reflect.
The last night to enjoy Parrtjima is Sunday, April 16. Registration is free and can be completed online at [https://www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au]
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO, Suzana Bishop:
“Parrtjima – A Festival in Light has once again proven to be a must-attend event on the Territory calendar, both for Territorians and interstate visitors. Walking around the site it is possible to hear languages and accents from all over, and the sight of so many people from so many different backgrounds coming together to enjoy this celebration is incredible. It’s especially heartening to see how the Alice Springs community has gotten behind this festival.
“Events like Parrtjima deliver in so many ways, including providing opportunities for those on the program, an economic boost for businesses with visitors attending from interstate, and the chance for the community to get together.
“Independent research found Parrtjima 2022 was responsible for generating a total expenditure stimulus, in the Northern Territory, of $14.7 million, 81 per cent ($11.9 million) of which was new money to the Territory.”
Image caption: Children interact with the colourful Grounded artwork, Sisters at Watarru by Noreen Dixon at Parrtjima 2023.
