Parrtjima light festival attracts near record crowds to Alice Springs

The Parrtjima light festival in Alice Springs has wrapped up for 2024 with the Territory tourism drawcard having attracted over 8000 attendances - marking its second-biggest opening weekend ever.

Across the annual 10-night event, 21,363 attendances were attracted to Alice Springs Desert Park, all coming to witness the magic amid the ancient MacDonnell Ranges.

Over 80 First Nations artists contributed to Parrtjima this year, including DJs, performers, speakers, and workshop facilitators. Additionally, 20 businesses participated in market stalls organised by Desart and Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network's Buy Blak Market.

Furthermore, the festival marked a significant milestone in community collaboration as the local indigenous workforce partnered with Stride, a local supported employment business, to focus on upskilling indigenous men in land management and event skills.

Northern Territory Major Events Chief Executive, Suzana Bishop advised “a festival like this can have a positive impact on a local community and support social cohesion.

“Visitors told us they felt incredibly inspired and welcomed, and we’re thrilled that the festival brought so many people together from not only the Territory, but Australia and the world.”

The NT Government is also continuing to invest in the growth of tourism and major events industries with more than $100 million to be invested in Budget 2024.

This year’s festival included a number of firsts, including the unforgettable theatrical experience of Arelhe Urrperle, a six-metre tall, 600kg, illuminated puppet representing the matriarchs and knowledge holders in Aboriginal cultures.

NT Minister for Major Events, Brent Potter noted “The Territory’s annual light festival is one of a kind, it brings together the world’s oldest cultures, historic natural features and cutting edge technology.

“I am not surprised Parrtjima 2024 was a major success, with new draw cards building on the already full festival line up, like light art installation The Arrernte, it would have been hard to stay away.

“Aside from the immersive installations, Parrtjima is a festival which makes meaningful and positive impacts on Central Australian Communities, and the economy.”