Darwin Festival attracts return of international acts for 2022

Included in its 18 day program for 2022, the Darwin Festival, will feature a number of international acts alongside local and national artists across comedy, dance, cabaret, theatre, visual arts, music and more.

After two years of border closures, Darwin Festival is welcoming back the international performers as part of this year’s event held from 4th-21st August 2022.

The Festival opens 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.

Other highlights include the popular National Indigenous Music Awards on Saturday, 6th 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 5th-7th 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, 3rd 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.

The 2022 Darwin Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC).

NTMEC Chief Executive Tim Watsford notes “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.”

Darwin Festival Artistic Director, Felix Preval advises “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.”

Darwin Festival Chief Executive, James Gough adds “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.”

To buy early release tickets, head to www.darwinfestival.org.au. 

The full program will be released on Thursday, 16th June, with something to appeal to all members of the family.

Image courtesy Darwin Festival