Darwin Festival delivers impressive results for Territory economy

Darwin Festival’s significant contribution to the Northern Territory economy has been evaluated by independent research, which shows the 2022 event delivered a total economic impact of $32.5 million.

This year’s event, which took place from 4-21 August 2022, recorded a record-breaking 170,008 attendances and sold an impressive 39,361 tickets to locals and visitors.

A total of 65 per cent of ticketed shows sold out across 150 performances in 20 venues, proving the popularity of the 2022 program, which featured everything from music, theatre, comedy and dance to cabaret, visual arts and kids’ attractions.

Northern Territory Major Events Company Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy said he was thrilled to see Darwin Festival achieve record-breaking results this year.

“Festivals play such an important role in helping the Territory thrive as a must-do visitor destination, and these research results further demonstrate the vital links between delivering events to boost visitation, help back local businesses and further develop our economy,” he said.

“Investing in events that put the Territory on the map, contribute to our vibrant Territory lifestyle and showcase the best in arts and culture right here in our own backyard is a key priority of ours, and we look forward to seeing what this incredible festival will achieve in the years to come.”

Darwin Festival Chief Executive Officer James Gough said the team was excited to welcome interstate and overseas visitors back to Larrakia country to be part of the huge Darwin Festival 2022 program.

“It was amazing to see record crowds soaking up the atmosphere at our hub venue, Festival Park, and being part of the action at Darwin Amphitheatre and Jervois Park. We were fortunate that nothing got in the way of us celebrating 18 fun-filled nights of culture and the arts,” he said.

The 2022 instalment also generated a whopping 68,337 visitor nights, cementing the important role the event plays in contributing to the visitor economy.
Darwin Festival also achieved an incredible Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 80, which is deemed as excellent/world class.

In addition, 86 per cent of surveyed respondents agreed Darwin Festival delivers high-quality cultural experiences for the people of the Northern Territory. A total of 90 per cent of those surveyed recognised the significant local impact of the event, saying it was important the festival was happening in Darwin.

The positive research results come off the back of Darwin Festival taking out the 2022 ‘Major Festivals and Events’ Brolga Award at the tourism industry’s night of nights held in Alice Springs on Saturday, 12 November 2022.

Darwin Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company.

Darwin Festival returns to the Top End from 10-27 August 2023. For more info and to subscribe for event updates, visit www.darwinfestival.org.au.