Darwin Festival 2021 will bring big ideas and unique perspectives to stages and venues across Darwin from 5-22 August. The Festival's bursting program of 84 events is out now, and offers an eclectic mix of theatrical performances, live music, incredible cabaret and circus, cross-cultural collaborations, thrumming dancefloors under the stars and epic family outings.
An all-star line-up of Australian talent will share the spotlight with an inspiring showcase of Territory talent. Some of the incredible shows on offer have been years in the making, while others have been forged directly through the trials of 2020.
Ngaiire, JessB, Gordon Koang, Montaigne, Rainbow Chan, Miiesha, King Stingray, Fanny Lumsden and Angie McMahon will deliver incredible live music performances, while Flight Facilities will headline an epic night under the stars at The Amphitheatre, alongside Confidence Man and Sycco.
Cabaret will draw in the crowds with the likes of Constantina Bush, Selina Jenkins, and Unsung powerhouses Amelia Ryan, Libby O'Donovan and Reuben Kaye on stage. Comedy greats heading to Darwin from across the country include Hannah Gadsby, Zoë Coombs Marr, Karen from Finance, Dilruk Jayasinha, Ivan Aristeguieta and Oliver Twist.
This year Darwin Festival is looking to the future with I've Been Meaning To Ask You, which involves 16 performers aged 9-13 from Darwin's Corrugated Iron Youth Arts taking to the stage for a rollicking hour of hard questions and home truths.
Aspiring teen DJs and party planners will pack the most fun possible into a shipping container in 10 Minute Dance Parties, under the guidance of Melbourne artist JOF. A collective of young performers will cast a fresh light on the plight of children in detention in We All Know What's Happening.
A canopy of 3,000 colourful dream flags will fly high at the Darwin Waterfront for Fly Me Up To Where You Are, a conceptual project that started in 2020 representing the hopes and dreams of Darwin's young people. The City of Darwin Teddy Bears' Picnic returns to The Esplanade and Justine Clarke headlines a huge free family concert at the end of the Festival.
Visit www.darwinfestival.org.au to view the full program and buy tickets.
Quotes from Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles:
"Darwin Festival provides a million and one reasons for people to head to the Top End and support the arts and hospitality sectors. They get to see world-class acts perform alongside incredible Territory artists who have earnt themselves a spot in this first-class festival. They also get to experience everything Darwin and our tourism industry has to offer.
"This year's program is remarkable, as the event continues to elevate its position on the national festival circuit. The Northern Territory Government proudly supports this event to grow the visitor economy and provide new performance and business opportunities Territorians."
Quotes from Darwin Festival Artistic Director Felix Preval:
"Our 2021 Festival is packed with big ideas and big nights out; it's an invitation to the community to come together and have enjoy the best time of the year in Darwin.
"The program features 194 performances, spread across 30 venues and featuring 597 artists from around Australia, the Territory, and even a few kiwis who made it through the bubble. So, whether you're a local looking for some dry season fun, or a visitor seeking an escape from the winter chills, we're looking forward to hosting you for this year's Festival."
