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One of the Northern Territory’s most popular music festivals, Bassinthegrass scheduled for 31st October this year, is on hold until 15th May 2021 due to uncertainty around COVID-19. However, The Parrtjima 2020 program released today featuring 10 nights of incredible art, light and culture in the heart of Alice Springs, running from Alice Springs Desert Park through to the Todd Mall will go ahead from 11th to 20th September 2020.

The decision to postpone the People's Choice Bassinthegrass until 15th May 2021 was considered a necessary decision in order to put the safety of Territorians first.

With the latest COVID-19 developments in Victoria and New South Wales, the Territory Government has tough border controls in place to restrict travel from those hot spot areas. This means it won’t be possible to deliver Bassinthegrass to the world-class standard music fans expect in 2020.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss notes “we are making decisions that put the health and safety of Territorians first.

“We know that BASS is the Territory’s largest and most popular music festival and Territorians will be disappointed in its postponement to next year. But we have hard borders for a reason, and it’s to protect Territorians. We won’t put Territorians at risk.

“I’d urge ticketholders to hang onto their tickets as the line-up of artists that are on board for 2021 is huge – this shows that BASS has grown into an iconic fixture on Australia’s music festival calendar.

Northern Territory Major Events are planning to make next year’s festival more memorable than ever, with the following artists already confirmed: Hayden James, Missy Higgins, Peking Duk, and Violent Soho.

Pre-purchased tickets for the 2020 event will be valid for Bassinthegrass 2021, or refunds are available through Moshtix.

Meanwhile the Parrtjima 2020 program was released today which features 10 nights of incredible art, light and culture in the heart of Alice Springs, running from Alice Springs Desert Park through to the Todd Mall from 11^th to 20th September.

At the centre of the attractions is the 2km of illuminations projected onto the majestic MacDonnell Ranges.

Minister Moss adds “the theme of this year’s event is ‘Lifting Our Spirits’, which has never been more appropriate than now in light of the unusual times we are living through. The program promises an exciting experience for visitors, a chance to immerse themselves in another world without leaving Australia.

“Parrtjima is an important addition to the Alice Springs events calendar and injected $1.8 million into the Red Centre economy last year. It also provides a platform for our Aboriginal artists to showcase their work and culture through some of the newest technology.”

This year’s light show, Ebb and Flow of Sky and Country, will be accompanied by a dynamic soundscape and narration by traditional owner Benedict Kngwarraye Stevens and the event’s First Nations Adviser, Rhoda Roberts.

Alice Springs Desert Park will feature the Signature Installations, and there will be a fascinating program of Deep Listening talks, creative workshops, film favourites and live music in Todd Mall.

In a first for Parrtjima, this year’s program includes two nights of cooking demonstrations with chef Mark Olive and co-founder of Kungkas Can Cook, Rayleen Brown.

As part of the festival’s COVID-19 Safety Plan, this year guests are required to register their attendance at Parrtjima, to help manage the flow of people, reduce queueing and support physical distancing guidelines.

Parrtjima is a free event. To register and view the program visit www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au

Image top courtesy of Bassinthegrass and image above courtesy of Parrtjima 

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