All about that swing at the inaugural Fong Lim Fanfare Festival

Hundreds have turned out to swing the night away to Rat Pack era tunes at Darwin’s first Fong Lim Fanfare Festival.

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July 6, 2025 - 10:01AM

Hundreds donned their Territory finest to swing the night away at the inaugural Fong Lim Fanfare Festival. The Fourth of July dinner dance was held at Dinah Beach, with music by renowned Sydney big band Dr Vs Swing Thing. Pic: Supplied.

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Hundreds donned their Territory finest to swing the night away at the inaugural Fong Lim Fanfare Festival.

Local MLA Tanzil Rahman hosted the mini festival, which aimed to celebrate band music across the weekend of July 4-6.

Friday night was “Swing, Swing, Swing!”, a glamorous Four of July dinner dance at the Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association, where guests were invited to dress up, dine, and dance the night away to the sounds of classic Rat Pack era tunes.

Music was provided by the renowned Sydney-based 21-piece big band, Dr V’s Swing Thing, led by acclaimed saxophonist David Theak.

On Saturday Dr V’s Swing Thing performed a special outdoor terrace concert at Government House, to support the Administrator Hugh Heggie to recognise the contributions of community musical volunteers.

Sunday saw the big band run an interactive holiday masterclass and performance at Haileybury Rendall School, which was free for all NT students.

“Growing up in Darwin I benefited from an amazing musical education and fondly recall the excitement of watching touring band performances – we’re hoping to provide something similarly fun and inspiring for young and old alike,” Dr Rahman said.

“We’re starting small but mighty in 2025 and fingers-crossed going to expand Fanfare over the next few years – hopefully involving lots of local wind bands, brass bands, and big bands to put on gigs across some of Fong Lim’s hidden gem locations.”