Parrtjima - A Festival in Light has announced the full program for its 10th edition, set to illuminate Alice Springs (Mparntwe) from April 4 to 13.
As the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind, the event will feature works from more than 20 First Nations artists, spanning six major installations.
More than 100 performers and special guests across music, comedy, art, workshops, and talks will also be part of the program.
Parrtjima Curator and Bundjalung woman, Rhoda Roberts AO, said this year's festival would continue to highlight the enduring power of Aboriginal culture.
"More than ever, this year we all need to experience Parrtjima, as the festival continues to shine new light on age-old traditions and fresh expressions," she said.
"Echoing the legacy of culture and the stories that connect us all across time.
"Come and feel the red earth beneath your feet as you look up at the magic that is Arrernte country as we illuminate the majestic MacDonnell Ranges."
The free, all-ages festival will debut four new installations inspired by the theme 'Timelessness'.
These include Three Generations of Station Women by Molly Hunt, which pays tribute to Aboriginal stockwomen through an animated comic strip, and Hypnotic Reverberations, which will immerse visitors in Bobby West Tjupurrula's Country through beams of light and mist.
Other installations include Transforming Light & Country, which invites audience interaction through sand dune patterns and light projections, and The Gateway, a towering entrance piece created by artists from Alice Springs' estate groups – Antulye, Irlpme, and Mparntwe.
Festival favourites Grounded and the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show will return, featuring large-scale projections and a fusion of contemporary classical music with Arrernte language.
Workshops and cultural engagement will also play a major role in the program.
Ms Roberts will lead a weaving workshop, while other sessions will cover watercolour painting, drumming, bushfoods, and traditional healing practices.
Northern Territory Major Events Company, Interim CEO, Trevor Cox, noted the significance and impact of the festival.
"Parrtjima - A Festival in Light provides a powerful opportunity to engage with Aboriginal culture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation that can be shared with the world," Mr Cox said.
"The program not only entertains but challenges visitors to reflect on the profound impact of Aboriginal culture, right in the heart of Australia."
Talks will feature high-profile Indigenous voices discussing topics such as media, music, and cultural custodianship.
Among the speakers are filmmaker Rachel Perkins, cultural expert Michael Liddle, and musician Troy Cassar-Daley.
Live music and comedy will round out the entertainment, with Cassar-Daley headlining the opening weekend.
The festival's closing weekend will feature the first orchestral performance in Parrtjima's history, with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra playing alongside Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams, and Bronwyn Stuart.
A comedy night on 10 April will include stand-up performances by Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra.
The Blak Markets will also return, offering First Nations arts, jewellery, and handcrafted goods.
Parrtjima is delivered by the Northern Territory Major Events Company in partnership with We Are Gather and Grumpy Sailor.
Free registration for Parrtjima 2025 is now open.
