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Inside Darwin Festival

August 3, 2012

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As temperatures plummet in the south, Australia’s Top End is awakening for the start of Darwin Festival – recognised as the Asia Pacific Region’s premier festival.

Held every year since 1978, Darwin Festival celebrates the region’s multicultural present and artistic future.

Held over 18 nights from August 9 to 26 (the best time to see the Top End), the event takes advantage of the city’s dry season and balmy weather, with an electrifying schedule of cultural and artistic shows, acts and exhibitions.

It’s also primarily held outside, taking advantage of that warm weather most Aussies shivering in their winter woollies are dreaming about. Just take a look at White Pages^® Weather Tool which features a four-day forecast for Australia’s capital cities. The temperature jump between Darwin and almost every other city in Australia is a convincing reason to throw off the doona and get along.

Hop onto White Pages^® Online Business Search, enter your preferred airline to find links to its website and contact information to enquire about fares and package deals up North.

Formerly known as the Bougainvillea Festival, Darwin Festival launched after Cyclone Tracy as a sign of a resilient and resourceful community. In 2003, it became Darwin Festival and has grown significantly in size and stature. Attracting more than 100,000 people each year, the cultural celebration is the Northern Territory and Asia Pacific Region’s premier event.

Echoing the Top End’s reputation for adventure, Darwin Festival is similarly exploratory, with a range of theatre, music, cabaret, dance, comedy, visual arts, talks and films that push the envelope.

There’s an event that aims to test your courage and faith in the future – Haircuts by Children. And yes, it is exactly as it sounds. There’s murder, or, more specifically, a theatre piece called Murder inspired by Nick Cave’s murder ballad Stagger Lee. There’s even a massive pool party at the Waterfront. Swimming in August? Only in the NT.

Live music will be heard at a variety of venues, including in a few local backyards. Recognising that Darwin backyards come in all shapes and sizes, there will be four gigs held in yards around the city. Just don’t hit your head on the Hills Hoist.

If good music is what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed with Washington and Kate Miller-Heidke, Holly Throsby, Kenny Rogers and San Sisco all scheduled to entertain.

In all, there are more than 84 different festival experiences to be had over the 18 days. That’s an average of four events a day, if you’d like to try and taste them all. And many of them are free!

This winter, travel north and be challenged, entertained and in awe of Australia’s most northern capital city as it puts on its best show.