culture

Parrtjima festival celebrates successful opening weekend for milestone 10th edition

Phoebe Blogg Published April 7, 2025 at 5.35pm (AWST)

Marlon performs at Gathering Ground on the openeing night of Parrtjima. (Image: supplied)

The opening weekend of Parrtjima – A festival in light has wrapped in spectacular style, with thousands flocking to Alice Springs (Mparntwe).

Celebrating its milestone 10th year, Parrtjima welcomed more than 7,000 attendances over its first three nights since opening on Friday, with Saturday recording the third-highest nightly attendance in the festival's history.

Running every night at Alice Springs Desert Park until April 13, the free, all-ages festival continues to transform the MacDonnell Ranges with breathtaking installations, interactive workshops, and captivating performances – all inspired by this year's theme: 'Timelessness'.

The festival's opening weekend saw the return of favourites like the beloved MacDonnell Ranges Light Show and Grounded, alongside the debut of four new works by Aboriginal artists.

*Behind the scenes at Parrtjima festival. (Image: supplied)*

This year's program also features six major installations by more than 20 Aboriginal artists, supported by over 100 performers and special guests across music, comedy, visual arts, workshops, and talks.

While there are several new and returning installations set to spark interest, a few installation highlights include Three Generations of Station Women by Balanggarra and Yolŋu artist Molly Hunt – an animated homage to the strength and legacy of Aboriginal stockwomen – and Hypnotic Reverberations, a dreamlike journey through Bobby West Tjupurrula's Country, where beams of light twist through mist in a constantly evolving landscape.

Much-loved works from past Parrtjima festivals also make a return in 2025, including Budgerigar Dreaming Ngatijirri Jukurrpa, featuring UV-lit neon bird sculptures, and The Language of Stockmen by Johnny Young and David Wallace – towering four-metre installations brilliantly lit from within by Australian lighting maestro Richard Neville.

*Behind the scenes at the Buy Blak Markets held at Parrtjima festival. (Image: supplied)*

Parrtjima's opening weekend also saw the return of the popular Buy Blak Markets, a collaboration between Desart and the NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), offering visitors the chance to explore and ethically purchase Aboriginal art and crafts.

When it came to entertainment and atmospheer, live music also took centre stage each night. Featuring some of the country's most popular First Nations talent, including NT singer-songwriter Marlon, country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley and award-winning Noongar artist Bumpy, the festival welcomed an array of muscians.

Interactive workshops with the Hermannsburg Potters and Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, along with thought-provoking panel talks, rounded out a weekend of immersive and inspiring cultural experiences.

Next weekend will see a festival-first: an open-air orchestral performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, joined by celebrated Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams, and Bronwyn Stuart, performing under the stars in a grand closing-weekend concert.

*The language of the Stockmen installation at Parrtjima festival.* . (Image: supplied)

Parrtjima curator Rhoda Roberts AO, shared that the festival's opening weekend was nothing short or a success.

"What a weekend - Parrtjima opened with a powerful burst of light and a timeless welcome. We witnessed the emotional responses of our artists as their work came to life. Our speakers felt deeply empowered, and the voices of the next generation rang out strong and proud. The Gathering Round had people on their feet as the music rocked with Marlon, and on Saturday night, Troy Cassar-Daley took us on a magical journey through the ballads and songs of our Australia," she said.

"The laughter and joy of families coming together at Parrtjima, watching the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show soar across the night sky and illuminate Country, was unforgettable. The magic of Grounded, with projections creating a vibrant, living carpet beneath our feet, captivated children who chased the shifting patterns – pure joy on their faces, completely immersed in culture.

"Parrtjima truly creates something special – a heartfelt celebration of the sacred lands of the Arrernte people and their timeless culture."

Parrtjima is supported by the Northern Territory Government and delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company, in partnership with events destination company We Are Gather and creative directors Grumpy Sailor.

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