Darwin Festival to look radically different this year

ORGANISERS of the Darwin Festival say audiences can expect some massive changes this year when the dry season highlight event officially returns on August 6-16.

Organisers of the Darwin Festival say audiences can expect some massive changes this year when the dry season highlight event officially returns on August 6-16.

ORGANISERS of the Darwin Festival say audiences can expect some massive changes this year when the dry season highlight event officially returns on August 6-16.

Artistic director Felix Preval said the shape, scale and scope of the 2020 Darwin Festival will be radically different due to coronavirus restrictions.

With the NT’s borders closed, the festival program will be hyper-local and include a range of community activities and live and online performances by NT artists.

Darwin Festival artistic director Felix Preval said this year’s Darwin Festival will be radically different due to coronavirus. Picture: Che Chorley

Mr Preval said organisers would be delivering a vibrant line-up of events with more details to be announced in June.

“Just as the first festival brought Darwin together in the wake of Cyclone Tracy in 1979, the 2020 festival will be a much-needed pick-me-up; a source of hope and positivity as well as a celebration of Territory strength and resilience,” he said.

“We are planning a hyper-local program for the festival in August.

“It definitely won’t be a normal year for the festival – or anyone – but we’re hoping to make something great for the people of Darwin.”

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He said the 11-day festival would include re-imagined versions of its traditional opening weekend highlights: the 14th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, National Indigenous Music Awards and the 37th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.

Festival chair Ian Kew said he was grateful for the support of the Government, NT Major Events and their corporate sponsors for helping them stay running during these extraordinary times.

“The festival has always been an important platform for local artists, and with the current travel restrictions this seems likely to be even more of a focus in 2020,” he said.

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Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister Lauren Moss welcomed the news.

“Every Dry, Darwin Festival lights up the city. This year, thanks to the initiative of the Darwin Festival team, the show will go on,” she said.

“In normal years it is also a huge drawcard for tourists, but it will be a more locally-focused event this year, meaning an even bigger showcase of local talent – and we have plenty!”