Parrtjima 2025: Program to celebrate 10 spectacular editions of light, storytelling, and culture
Stunning light installations and a program of hands-on workshops, talks, art and music will connect audiences with Aboriginal culture at Parrtjima – A Festival in Light. The program, released today, delves into this year’s festival theme of Timelessness, exploring the enduring connection between generations through culture, music, song, and oral storytelling.
Parrtjima, a free 10-night festival held in Mparntwe, Alice Springs from 4-13 April, celebrates its 10th iteration. It offers a spectacular celebration of culture, art, and modern technology under the starry skies of the Red Centre. Hosted on Arrernte Country, this year’s festival will celebrate past highlights, featuring the return of popular talents and installations. The opening weekend will also see the return of the Desart and NTIBN Buy Blak Markets, offering a unique opportunity to support and engage with Indigenous businesses and artists.
Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO said: “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. 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 festival’s musical program will showcase talented performers on every night of the event, including country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley, Warren H. Williams, Bumpy, and Dobby. A special ticketed open-air performance by Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO), featuring more than 50 musicians and the Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams, and Bronwyn Stuart, will round out a jam-packed line-up of musical talent.
The festival’s debut comedy night, on Thursday 10 April, will bring the laughs featuring stand-up sets from Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra. This exciting addition to the program promises to offer a fresh burst of humour, for a night of unforgettable entertainment.
The program includes workshops with the Hermannsburg Potters, screen printing, and weaving sessions with Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO. Cooking demonstrations will be led by Rayleen Brown and Mark Olive, while Veronica and Camille Dobson will showcase bushfood and medicine. Rhoda Roberts will also lead thought-provoking talks, discussing what inspires and drives First Nations artists and leaders.
We Are Gather Co-founder Naomi Wilson said: “We Are Gather works on events that leave a lasting legacy, driving destination appeal and community engagement – and Parrtjima does just that. As we enter the 10th edition of Parrtjima, we’re excited to present a supercharged celebration of people, culture, and place.”
“The interactive program offers something for everyone—whether you’re keen to learn, participate, or simply enjoy the incredible lightworks on display. It’s a true privilege to be part of an event that showcases the richness of Aboriginal culture and connects people from all walks of life.”
The program showcases breathtaking light installations, including crowd favourites like the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show, where contemporary classical and traditional music merges with Arrernte language in a spectacular tribute to sacred land connections. Grounded—a dynamic large-scale projection where vibrant Indigenous artworks transform the red earth into a living, luminous canvas beneath visitors’ feet. This year’s theme of Timelessness is explored through new installations that celebrate cultural continuity and storytelling.
Three Generations of Station Women Molly Hunt’s animated comic strip bringing three generations of Aboriginal stockwomen to life through cinematic storytelling and an original soundtrack by Mark Coles Smith.
Hypnotic Reverberations invites immersion in Bobby West Tjupurrula’s Country where light beams dance through mist and reflect across a shallow pool, creating ever-shifting dreamscapes.
Transforming Light & Country offers interactive engagement with Lyall Giles’ intricate sand dune patterns, where visitors activate drums that trigger dynamic light circles and natural soundscapes, revealing the relationship between ancient landforms and life-giving waterholes.
The Gateway welcomes visitors to pass through towering poles created collaboratively by artists from Alice Springs’ three estate groups – Antulye, Irlpme, and Mparntwe.
Grumpy Sailor CEO, James Boyce said: “Grumpy Sailor is so proud to have been part of Parrtjima 2024 as Creative Directors. Helping Mparntwe (Alice Springs) shine on the national stage was an incredible experience, and we loved helping to bring stories of hope, positivity, and the Dreamtime to life.”
“Working with the artists, we’ve tried our best to come up with truly unique ways to honour and celebrate Indigenous art, artists, and stories on Country. After taking out the 2024 Australian Event Awards Tourism Event of the Year, this year’s 10th edition needed to be truly special, and we can’t wait for visitors to see how we’ve managed to build on last year’s epic program.”
Parrtjima is delivered by NTMEC in partnership with events destination company We Are Gather and Creative Directors Grumpy Sailor.
The magical, free family-friendly 10-night festival continues to make a significant social and economic impact on the Northern Territory. Parrtjima 2024 attracted over 21,000 attendances, generating $9.42 million for the Alice Springs economy.
Tickets for the DSO performance are available via the Parrtjima website and select travel partners. Limited free tickets for certain areas will be released closer to the event, along with a small number of tickets at the door.
Free registration for Parrtjima 2025 and tickets for the DSO performance, which includes guaranteed seating, are now available at: Parrtjima.com.au