Desert Song Festival returns to Alice Springs

The Desert Song Festival has returned to Alice Springs with a multicultural 10 day musical celebration that showcases Central Australia’s arts, and acknowledges it cultural diversity.

Headline acts from across the region, nation and countries including South Africa, India, Mali, and the US have gathered in Alice Springs for the intercultural musical extravaganza, now in its eleventh year.

From 8th – 17th September there will be more than 40 events featuring soloists, choirs, vocal ensembles, concerts, workshops, and masterclasses set in various venues across the town; as well as a cultural visit to Ntaria (Hermannsburg), and a cappella performance at Ormiston Gorge.

Through its Community Benefit Fund, the Northern Territory Government is supporting the popular festival for the next three years with $125,000 per year.  NT Major Events Company has also contributed to the funding pool for this year’s event.

Acting Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Lauren Moss shares “Performing arts has a significant role in the Territory - encouraging creativity, improving liveability, creating cohesive communities, and driving economic growth.

“Events like the Desert Song Festival are not only fabulous ways to celebrate our singers and musicians, they also add to the vibrancy of the Territory and stimulate tourism, and that’s why the Territory Labor Government is a big fan and a proud supporter.”

NT Minister for Major Events Paul Kirby adds “The Desert Song Festival celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of Central Australia, and helps to place the region as a leading events destination.

“There is an impressive line-up of performers from a range of countries and cultures who will join local musicians from across the region to make this ten-day musical extravaganza entertaining and memorable.”