Parrtjima clocks 8000 attendances over opening weekend

Almost 8000 attendances were recorded over the first three nights of the opening weekend of Parrtjima, and there’s still six days to go.

Jennifer Mintaya Connelly Ward’s artwork, Kungkarangkalpa (Seven Sisters Story) brought to life as a light installation at Parrtjima

Parrtjima puts Red Centre on the map for tourism

Parrtjima festival to illuminate the red heart of Australia from today

Parrtjima 2021: Full line-up revealed

Native feast on the menu at Parrtjima

ALMOST 8000 attendances were recorded over the first three nights of the opening weekend of Parrtjima, and there’s still six days to go.

Hospitality and tourism operators reported strong figures as a result of the influx of visitors, with barely an empty hotel room over the opening weekend.

From sunrise hot air balloon experiences to sunset camel rides and Uluru excursions, visitors have used their time in the region to experience as much as possible.

Over the weekend festival goers enjoyed a live performance from electronic music duo Electric Fields in front of the MacDonnell Ranges light show and dined under a canopy of outback stars at the Merne Desert Dinner.

In an exclusive first for the festival, tables of fellow travellers were treated to Merne, an unforgettable dining adventure under a canopy of stars as unique as the Red Centre itself

Interactive workshops were also a hit with National Indigenous Fashion Awards Director Nina Fitzgerald, the artists from Maruku Arts and bushfood experts Mark Olive and Rayleen Brown showing patrons how to cook up a native storm.

The talks program was a hit, with NRL legend Josh Addo-Carr sharing tales of his life in professional sport.

Author Bruce Pascoe offered an insight into his new book, Loving Country and Parrtjima artists Jungala Kriss and Raymond Walters Japanangka revealed the storylines, heritage and culture behind their incredible artwork.

MORE NEWS

Alice Springs’ National Aboriginal Art Gallery design tender released

18-year-old charged after five-man Alice Springs assault

Construction for new walking, cycling trail underway in East MacDonnell Ranges

Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles said the Territory Labor Government has invested in Parrtjima which has become a unique event on the Australian calendar.

“Thousands of interstate tourists have already travelled to the Red Centre to experience everything Parrtjima has to offer,” she said.

“Local businesses are already seeing the results with a surge in bookings for tourism activities and hotel rooms.”

Tourism Central Australia CEO Danial Rochford, said local operators had seen great interest in their offerings “which is fantastic news after a year where tourism was severely impacted by travel restrictions”.

“Several tours and experiences have been fully booked, which is fantastic.

“As a major festival on the events calendar Parrtjima has certainly helped encourage people to visit the Red Centre, and our operators are seeing the benefits, along with plenty of other local businesses.”

Hospitality NT CEO Alex Bruce said businesses in Alice were reporting increased bookings and excitement associated to Parrtjima.

Parrtjima runs until April 18 2021 at Alice Springs Desert Park, Todd Mall and Araluen Arts Centre. It is free to attend but you must register at www.parrtjima.com.au