AusLeisure

Although the Darwin Festival is returning in 2020 (6^th - 16th August 2020), in the wake of COVID-19, the shape, scale and scope of the 2020 Festival will be significantly different from previous festivals.

The success of the Northern Territory's response to COVID-19 and the consequent easing of restrictions mean that Darwin Festival has reimagined how it will engage its local audience.

Darwin Festival Artistic Director, Felix Preval advises “just as the first Festival brought Darwin together in the wake of Cyclone Tracy in 1979, the 2020 Festival will be a much-needed pick-me-up; a source of hope and positivity as well as a celebration of Territory strength and resilience.

“We are planning a hyper-local program for the Festival in August. It definitely won’t be a normal year for the Festival – or anyone – but we’re hoping to make something great for the people of Darwin."

Darwin Festival’s 2020 program will include a range of accessible community activities, live and online performances and creative responses by NT artists. The 11 days of artistic offerings will include reimagined versions of traditional opening weekend highlights: 14th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, National Indigenous Music Awards, 37th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Art Awards.

Darwin Festival Chair Ian Kew notes “we are grateful for the support of the Northern Territory Government, NT Major Events Company and our corporate sponsors for enabling us to deliver a modified Festival during these extraordinary times.

“The Festival has always been an important platform for local artists and with the current travel restrictions this seems likely to be even more of a focus in 2020.”

NT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture Lauren Moss adds "every Dry, Darwin Festival lights up the city. This year, thanks to the initiative of the Darwin Festival team, the show will go on.

"The NT Government supports Darwin Festival because it provides incredible opportunities for local artists and contributes to the liveability of the Territory for Territorians.

"In normal years it is also a huge drawcard for tourists, but it will be a more locally focused event this year, meaning an even bigger showcase of local talent - and we have plenty!"

Darwin Festival will run from 6th – 16th August 2020, with more details to be announced in June.

Darwin Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Government and City of Darwin.

Image: Darwin Festival, Credit: Elise Derwin

Related Articles

19th May 2020 - INTIX develops world-first contact tracing technology for events

18th May 2020 - 85% of patrons look to return to arts and culture events, but not yet

12th May 2020 - Melbourne to invest in events following lifting of COVID-19 restrictions

11th May 2020 - Live Nation says no return to ‘full scale’ concerts until 2021 as it looks to drive-in events

29th April 2020 - Tourism and Events Industry encourages Australians to download and use COVIDSafe app

24th April 2020 - Collapse of events sector wipes $35 billion from Australia’s economy

24th March 2020 - New Zealand events industry reports cancellation of more than 3,000 events

15th March 2020 - LPA calls for urgent confirmation on timeframe for government’s ban on public events

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.