New Northern Territory events locked in alongside firm favourites

A vibrant and jam packed events calendar is on offer for Territorians and tourists in 2023, providing a massive boost to the local economy with 39 events to share in $2.4 million through the Northern Territory Government’s Event Funding Program (EFP), administered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). Categories of funding include community, event development, mass participation and major event.

25 of the events were granted multi-year deals, providing organisers the ability to better plan for the future.

Exciting new funded events include the Big Name, No Blankets NT Community Tour - a travelling rock-and-roll theatre show. The event celebrates the Warumpi Band’s inspiring journey from the remote NT community of Papunya to international fame. It showcases the Luritja, Gumatj and Warlpiri languages, as well as culture and dance from Central Australia and the stunning landscapes of North East Arnhem Land.

Also receiving support through the latest round is the Darwin Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Rhythm of the 90s’ concert, which will take place at the Darwin Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre on Saturday, 24th June at 6.30pm. Darwin Symphony Orchestra and an incredible front band of local musicians will bring back the much-loved Amphitheatre spectacular with new symphonic arrangements of the best 90s music, including hits from Natalie Imbruglia, Tina Arena, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Coolio and Metallica.

Darwin Symphony Orchestra General Manager Kate Stephens enthused “We are delighted to receive support through the Event Funding Program for our iconic Amphitheatre concerts over the next three years, starting with our Rhythm of the 90s show next year. This funding allows us to continue bringing this much-loved event to life, and further enhance the audience experience for Territorians and visitors alike.

“Rhythm of the 90s will be an unmissable throwback party, featuring the finest of Territory talent in our full symphony orchestra and front band. Celebrating the best pop hits, Aussie favourites, hip hop classics and metal legends, this performance truly has something for everybody to enjoy.

“The concert gives thousands of Territorians access to a world-class concert presentation in the beautiful setting of the Darwin Botanic Gardens. This family-friendly and accessible event is entry by donation, and we encourage everybody to come together and enjoy a night of entertainment.” 

Fan favourite events such as Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, Katherine Junk Festival, Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Chariots of Thunder Sprintcar Series and Barunga have again received funding and will draw in thousands of locals and tourists across the high and low seasons.

Events are an important contributor to the Territory economy, with independent research showing just 22 supported events that took place in 2021-2022 delivered a gross expenditure stimulus of $39.8 million to the Territory, plus an impressive 110,194 visitor nights.

Events included the Darwin Fringe, Chariots of Thunder, Katherine Ultra, Alice Springs Beanie Festival and Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta. In total, NTMEC supported around 70 events during this time.

Designed to strengthen the Territory’s events sector, the EFP has created significant benefits for the Territory by boosting the quality and frequency of festivals and events, increasing visitor numbers and upskilling the local industry. To find out when the next EFP round opens, sign up for ‘Industry Updates’ via www.ntmajorevents.com.au/sign-up.

Image top: Receiving support through the latest round is the Darwin Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Rhythm of the 90s’ concert, which will take place at the Darwin Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre; Image above: Exciting new funded events include the Big Name, No Blankets NT Community Tour