Celebrating its 10th year in operation, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light came to an impressive close over the weekend, drawing record crowds and showcasing its first-ever open-air orchestral performance.
Set beneath clear skies and framed by the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges, the Darwin Symphony Orchestra delivered a breathtaking performance to 3,300 festival-goers on Saturday – the highest nightly attendance in Parrtjima's history.
The open-air concert was a fitting finale to ten free nights of Aboriginal art, culture, music and storytelling in the heart of Australia.
Recognsied as the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind, in 2025 Parrtjima attracted more than 23,500 attendances to Alice Springs Desert Park — the second-highest overall attendance in the festival's history.
Visitors of all ages gathered to experience immersive light installations, live music, workshops, talks, markets, and more.
Curated around the 2025 theme 'Timelessness', this year's festival featured the works of more than 20 First Nations artists across six major installations, supported by over 100 performers and special guests spanning music, comedy, visual arts, workshops, talks, and more.
New light installations included Three Generations of Station Women by Balanggarra and Yolŋu artist Molly Hunt, an animated tribute to the strength and legacy of Aboriginal stockwomen, and Hypnotic Reverberations, a dreamlike light and mist journey through Bobby West Tjupurrula's Country.
The festival also debuted Transforming Light & Country by Lyall Giles, where visitors activated drums to trigger light rings and natural soundscapes, reflecting the bond between ancient sand dunes and waterholes. At the festival's entrance, The Gateway offered a striking welcome with towering poles created by artists from Alice Springs' Antulye, Irlpme, and Mparntwe estate groups.
Crowd favourites Grounded and the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show returned bringing nearly two kilometres of the iconic ranges to life. Popular installations from previous Parrtjima festivals also made a comeback, including Budgerigar Dreaming Ngatijirri Jukurrpa, featuring UV-lit neon bird sculptures, and The Language of Stockmen by Johnny Young and David Wallace, dramatically illuminated by lighting designer Richard Neville.
There was no shortage of live music with country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley, Northern Territory singer-songwriter Marlon, and acclaimed Noongar artist Bumpy all taking to the stage.
In another new addition to the festival's program, comedy made its debut with Aboriginal comedians Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra headlining Parrtjima's first-ever comedy night.
The popular Buy Blak Markets made a welcome return, presented by Desart and the NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), offering visitors the chance to explore and ethically purchase authentic Aboriginal art, fashion, and homewares.
Interactive workshops with renowned collectives like the Hermannsburg Potters and Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre added hands-on creativity to the festival experience, while thought-provoking talks brought together Aboriginal leaders, artists and innovators to explore culture, identity and storytelling.
Parrtjima curator Rhoda Roberts AO said this year's festival was one of the biggest ever.
"Parrtjima 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary – one of our biggest gatherings yet in the festival's journey. Over 10 unforgettable nights, the atmosphere was alive with energy and deep emotion. From the moment the lights came on and our first welcome echoed across the desert, you could feel something truly special unfolding," she said.
"Our speakers and performers empowered and inspired, the voices of the next generation rang out proud, and the festival delivered countless memorable moments. Having the Darwin Symphony Orchestra perform on the closing weekend was the perfect finale – a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
"Seeing artists moved to tears as their stories lit up the landscape was a powerful reminder of how deeply art and Country are intertwined – and what a privilege it is to share that with the world. Parrtjima continues to be a heartfelt celebration of Arrernte Country, showcasing the strength, beauty and timelessness of Aboriginal culture."
Parrtjima is supported by the award-winning 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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