Darwin Festival 2024 to be the “ultimate party” for Territorians
With more than 680 performances across a record 38 venues prepared, the 2024 Darwin Festival is shaping up to one of the biggest in the event’s history. Read what the event director recommends.
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On the eve of the Darwin Festival, organisers are calling on Territorians to make the most of the Top End’s “ultimate party”, with a number of fun-filled events scattered across the city ready to be enjoyed.
Darwin Festival artistic director Kate Fell said there would be plenty of enjoyable activities for Territorians young and old alike.
“Darwin Festival is the ultimate party,” she declared.
“It’s a citywide celebration and it celebrates this beautiful city where the excitement in the air is palpable and it celebrates artists in Northern Territory, Australia and the world and the beautiful environment we live in.
“Darwin Festival is full of awe-inspiring moments and you feel this awe when you’re watching amazing performers with you friends and family in these beautiful outdoor venues that we create.”
From comedy shows to cabaret performances, the 2024 episode looms as one of the event’s largest in its 45-year history, with more than 680 performances across a record 38 venues prepared.
For those unsure of where to start, Ms Fell hailed Festival Park as the “home of free entertainment”, with live music and food trucks accessible every night.
Preparations have also been made at Festival Park to host one of the biggest dog congregations ever to be held in the Territory, with the Lost Dogs Disco set to take place in an immersive giant inflatable.
For music lovers, Missy Higgins headlines a strong cohort of artists who have travelled from interstate and beyond to entertain.
Ms Fell encouraged Territorians to research the event’s program, of which there is “plenty more to see”.
“You will find something for you – if you’ve got little kids, there’s something, if you’ve got teenagers, if you’re out for a good night with friends, if you want something after work and anything in between, there is so much on for you.”
With the Territory crowned the culture capital of Australia last month, Major Events Minister Brent Potter said the NT Government planned to defend its new title.
“150,000 people come to the festival, it generates over $20 million into our economy, it is great for pubs, our clubs, our tourism operators, and our hotels,” he said.
“I say to every Territorian get out to the festival as it opens.”
With other states lacking a warm-weather winter festival to enjoy, Mr Potter confirmed the government would continue to exploit the Top End’s lucrative Dry Season temperatures.
“We can offer something that no other state or jurisdiction does,” he said.
“(For example) we can continue to see BASSINTHEGRASS grow every year whereas other jurisdictions are losing their music festivals, so if you’re young person why wouldn’t you come to Darwin?”
To see the full list of events, visit darwinfestival.org.au/whats-on/
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