The Top End is the place to be this August, with the iconic Darwin Festival returning to the Territory’s capital from 4-21 August 2022. A taste of this year’s must-see shows is out now and audiences can expect another incredible festival this year, with 18 days of programming featuring local, national and international artists across comedy, dance, cabaret, theatre, visual arts, music and more.
It all kicks off on Thursday, 4 August, with the free, family-friendly Santos Opening Night Concert, which this year sees The Amphitheatre transformed into a meeting place of dance, song and ritual for Buŋgul. Celebrate the music and culture of Gurrumul and the people of North East Arnhem Land at a live performance of Gurrumul’s final album Djarrimirri by Yolŋu dancers and songmen, and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra.
Other highlights include the popular ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Indigenous Music Awards on Saturday, 6 August. Celebrating some of the biggest names in Australian music, this year’s awards include performances by Thelma Plum and King Stingray.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair returns to an in-person event at Darwin Convention Centre from 5-7 August, showcasing the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design and culture. The Fair’s colourful runway event, Country to Couture, takes place on Wednesday, 3 August, showcasing innovative collections from indigenous designers and artists, as well as unique collaborations between indigenous communities and well-known Australian labels.
Darwin Festival organisers expect tickets to sell quickly again this year, with the likes of Australian Ballet’s Regional Tour Gala, Grammy-nominated Arlo Parks and Aussie music superstars Confidence Man sure to attract bumper crowds. To buy early release tickets, head to [https://www.darwinfestival.org.au]. The full program will be released on Thursday, 16 June, with something to appeal to all members of the family.
The 2022 Darwin Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC).
Quotes from NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford:
“Darwin Festival is a staple on the Territory events calendar, and for good reason. It continues to evolve each year, providing opportunities for Territory artists and performers to work alongside national acts, and the chance for Territorians to enjoy a wide range of entertainment that covers multiple genres.
“Darwin Festival also draws visitors from around the country to the Territory, including people keen to join in the fun, the entertainers themselves, and their support crews. There is always a real buzz in the air when Darwin Festival is on, and this year will be no different.”
Quotes from Darwin Festival Artistic Director, Felix Preval:
“This is just the first taste of the Hot August Nights to come and it’s going to get hotter yet with the full program coming at you in June. We are thrilled to invite international acts back into the Festival this year, playing alongside some of the best Australian and Northern Territory talent out there. It’s a huge program with pressing themes, as well as nights of pure abandon. This year’s program marks the end of an era for me as my sixth and final Darwin Festival and I can’t wait to celebrate with you in August.”
Quotes from Darwin Festival CEO, James Gough:
“This sneak peek of our 2022 program means local and interstate audiences can start planning their Festival adventures now. We know that festivals and events are an important driver for interstate visitation to Darwin in August, and we are well positioned to provide an exceptional experience this year. Darwin Festival remains committed to connecting communities through the celebration of culture and the arts, and we look forward to sharing the full Program in June.”
