For 18 nights in August, in Darwin on Larrakia land, we filled our hearts, minds and souls with art, culture, fun, food, stories, dancing, and laughter. Artists from the Northern Territory, Australia and the world shared their art and culture, transported us to other places, and took our breath away. Awe, wonder, and the power of the arts to connect us were the threads woven through this festival.
Darwin Festival 2024 was a city-wide celebration –we celebrated Darwin in all its glory – it was a magical time and the excitement in the air was palpable. We celebrated artists and art from all across the Territory, Australia and the world; we celebrated our beautiful natural environment; and we celebrated the diversity and uniqueness of our community.
Darwin Festival was full of awe-inspiring moments. We went awe-hunting in August in Darwin and we found it as we watched incredible performers, in beautiful outdoor venues, in a shared experience with our friends, family and community. These moments of awe change how we feel, sometimes just for a fleeting moment, and sometimes they stay with us for a lifetime.
The success of this year’s festival is testament to our many partners and supporters who believe in the power of the arts to connect us; the economic, cultural and social impact of major events; and the way that the festival makes people proud of where they live. Our deepest thanks to all of our partners: the Northern Territory Government, Northern Territory Major Events, City of Darwin, our Major Partners and all of our corporate, venue, and foundation partners and supporters.
We are proud to have more Friends of the Festival and donors than ever before, and we thank them for their support. We gratefully acknowledge our dedicated Board, the amazing staff and a wonderful team of volunteers – this festival could not happen without their incredible support.
And ultimately a festival only happens because of the connection between audiences and artists. This is made more special at Darwin Festival because of the Top End community who embrace this festival, the visitors who come and experience Darwin in its magical glory, and the artists who share their incredible art with us.
James Gough CEO
Kate Fell Artistic Director
Credit: Elise Derwin
2024 SNAPSHOT
Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a performance index out of 100
17,811
57,737
620
2,593 donations
715 total artists
35% ticketed events sold out
645 performances
40 venues
27% of events were free
55,259
177,136 attendances $2.43m
REACH
May – August 2024
912,000 Facebook reach
614,200 Instagram reach
14,500 LinkedIn reach
32,500 email subscribers
1,368 media mentions
darwinfestival.org.au
MAGICAL MOMENTS
Darwin Festival was full of events that you can only experience in Darwin, taking place in 40 venues this year.
Festival Park and Sitzler Festival Lawn were the home of non-stop entertainment throughout the festival. In the heart of the city, at our festival hub, there were 40 different shows that audiences experienced during the festival – circus, cabaret, comedy, music, family shows and much more on the INPEX Sunset Stage and The Spiegeltent. The Mirror by Gravity and Other Myths, Cirque Bon Bon and The Tap Pack were audience favourites as well as an epic line up of music and comedy from Tom Gleeson, JAZZPARTY, He Huang, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and so much more.
The opening week featured three major music shows at the Darwin Amphitheatre including the NT premiere , taking us on an epic journey sharing the stories and music of the Warumpi Band, as told through the eyes of founding member
The Amphitheatre National , and on the Sunday night Missy Higgins performed new songs as well as her , in full. We extended our footprint into Palmerston with a funfilled weekend of family entertainment, music, roving performers, and comedy. And we closed the festival with three stunning concerts, with the setting sun as the backdrop, at the Darwin Ski Club with Marlon Williams, Kate Miller-Heidke and The Cat Empire.
A Taste of Darwin saw us shine a light on the rich and diverse food and beverage culture with events in eleven venues across Darwin curated by Neville Pantazis. From a unique guided walking tour of some of Darwin’s favourite bars with a live soundtrack from The Neo, a tasting adventure by bus of Darwin city and suburbs, and a fine dining pasta evening to remember as people were serenaded by musicians from DSO at Parap Fine Foods.
Our in-theatres program at Darwin Entertainment Centre and Browns Mart featured an eclectic mix of theatre, circus, dance, visual theatre, classical music, and comedy. From the opening night of a kaleidoscopic fusion of dance, music and art in Wayfinder through to the closing show of the jawdropping ghoulish journey that was Party Ghost, there was a show for everyone.
Credit: Elise Derwin
“The festival is the one thing I so look forward to every year. I encourage and have friends from interstate come every year. So much on offer! Festival Park is always so beautifully set up and fun to be at.”
“Great festival, amazing atmosphere that takes over the City of Darwin and beyond.”
Darwin Festival 2024 attendee
Darwin Festival 2024 attendee
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
TERRITORY STORIES
Infused with Territory Stories, the festival was full of art, culture, languages, and stories of this beautiful place we call home.
The 2024 festival featured incredible new work by Northern Territory artists and we are proud that 60% of our artists were from the NT. Amy Hetherington created a new show that made us Territory Proud; Ben Graetz shared his personal story growing up in Darwin and his love of Tina Turner; and Song Spirals transported us to the heart of Yolngu country through dance, projections and music in a new creation by Rosealee Pearson.
We took a magical adventure for all ages in POD, bringing to life the natural world of Larrakia country through puppets, projection, live music, and an interactive set, created by Luminous Productions; explored the moody sky of the Top End through a powerful physical work choreographed by Jess Devereux and presented by Tracks Dance; and Dr Aunty Bilawara Lee and Netanela Mizrhai came together with Darwin Symphony Orchestra for the world premiere of a stunning new musical work commemorating the 50th anniversary of the devastating Cyclone Tracy.
Northern Territory musicians shared with us their stories, culture and languages including a heartfelt musical tribute to the heritage and the rich tapestry of Borroloola languages from Arrkula Yinbayarra and Dr Shellie Morris AO; Darwin World Mix brought their unique blend of international sounds to the
INPEX Sunset Stage; and Arafura Music Collective and Ensemble Offspring collaborated for the first time, with special guests Nardi Simpson and Melanie Mununggurr.
Audiences explored Darwin and the richness and diversity of First Nations art and artists from the Territory as found spaces were transformed into galleries and venues across the city opened their doors.
Credit: Elise Derwin
“It’s a fabulous opportunity to bring visitors to show off our amazing Territory.”
Darwin Festival 2024 attendee
“We recently moved up to Darwin from interstate and this event made us feel proud to be a part of our new home! There was something for everyone and the community spirit it created was infectious. The diverse range of bands, strong headliners and Festival Park experience was a true highlight.”
Darwin Festival 2024 attendee
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
COMMUNITY CONNECT
Darwin Festival was the place to come with your friends and family, to create magical memories together that stay with you for a lifetime.
The festival was for everyone and we had a huge family program this year – from Kids Club Spectacular hosted by Lisa Pellegrino to City of Darwin Teddy Bears’ Picnic, The Whale’s Tale at MAGNT to the world of colour and creativity in I Wish.
Festival Park was the spot for free festival fun with the glorious and playful Lost Dogs’ Disco in Kolsen Twilight Playground and free live music every night by Darwin musicians on the Darwin Port Bandstand. This year the program shone a light on the many cultures of this city. From mambo moves with Latin Street Fiesta, the sounds of Africa with the divine voices of Sayuni Choir, to the young artists supported by Launch Darwin, Indian fusion band Pulse and much more.
Festival Park is a place of community connection –where people come for the food, to meet their friends and family and to meet new people.
Roving performers took over the Darwin Waterfront for eight days throughout the festival. We were excited to add this element to the festival which saw dancing zebras (performed by Born in a Taxi), Silent Disco with DJ Guru Dudu, and giant seagulls (created by Snuff Puppets) stealing chips at Stokes Hill Wharf!
This year, there were many opportunities for community members to participate in the festival. Highlights included Queer PowerPoint – a show inviting 4 local LGBTQIA+ identifying people from diverse backgrounds to share their ideas; MZAZA ran vocal and instrumental workshops for 20 local community members with outcomes then incorporated into the final act of their performance; and many local organisations created opportunities for community participation at City of Darwin Teddy Bears’ Picnic and the Family Fiesta in Palmerston; and in the final weekend, Lucas Proudfoot invited a group of local primary school students to join him on stage for a performance of the “Emu Song”.
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
“Festival Park is so welcoming and relaxing and beautiful. It was great having the Lost Dogs’ Disco exhibition there this year so I could take my child and enjoy it.”
Darwin Festival 2024 attendee
“Such an incredible time of year in Darwin and the festival really highlights the spectacular culture and community of Darwin and how lucky we are to live here!”
Darwin Festival 2024 attendee
Credit: Charlie Bliss Credit:
Credit: Paz Tassone
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Darwin Festival continues to play a pivotal role in boosting the local economy by attracting visitors to Darwin and surrounding areas, driving spending and economic activity that might not have occurred otherwise.
This year, we are pleased to report that the Festival has achieved its highest-ever total expenditure, highlighting the event’s increasing influence and significant economic impact.
Through our engagement of local artists, employees, suppliers, contractors, and venues, we directly support the regional workforce and business community. The festival’s proximity to the city, with venues like Festival Park and Sitzler Festival Lawn, creates a seamless connection between the arts, culture, and the incredible tropical lifestyle that makes Darwin so special.
Significant revenue generated through funding, corporate sponsorships, and box office takings further amplifies the festival’s economic contribution. This blend of tourism-driven spending, cultural celebration, and local engagement strengthens Darwin Festival’s lasting impact on the economy and enhances the sense of enjoyment and pride for those who call the Territory home.
IMPACT
17.8k
Visitors attracted to the NT
total expenditure generated
estimated total direct and indirect spend for 2024
*Highest-ever expenditure.
177,136 attendances
74% 26% LOCAL VISITING
57,737
visitor nights generated $33.1m*
429 NT artists engaged
157 staff employed by the Festival
“Darwin Festival helps bring interstate travellers to Darwin, who can then appreciate how awesome it really is! I never would have travelled to Darwin if there weren’t events on, and discovered how great and friendly it is!”
Darwin Festival 2024 attendee
Credit: Charlie Bliss
SOCIAL & COMMUNITY IMPACT
Darwin Festival engaged Culture Counts to assess the Festival’s social and cultural impact on our community. We are dedicated to fostering positive cultural and social influences for our audiences, artists, and the wider Darwin community.
VALUE
95% agree
QUALITY
92% agree
Darwin Festival plays an important role in the cultural life of the Territory
LOCAL
IMPACT
It’s important that it’s happening in Darwin
86% agree PLACE
Darwin Festival makes me feel proud of my local area
Community
Engagement SCHOOLS
We curated a schools program designed to provide young people with positive and enriching engagement in the arts. We worked closely with a Schools Advisory Committee and the Department of Education, and the program was also supported by The Smith Family and CDC, who provides free bus travel. In 2024, we sold 1,475 tickets across nine performances with many sessions selling out. There were 25 schools who participated in the program.
Artists-in-schools workshops included a movement workshop led by the Little Murmur artists, acrobatic workshops facilitated by the I Wish... artists, and a Yolngu dance workshop for Drama Territory teachers facilitated by Rosalee Pearson.
“The most valuable part of my Darwin Festival this year were the industry connect workshops. Not only did we get to work with visiting artists, but I was connected to a Darwin artist I had not met before. This was the best.”
Industry Connect Participant 2024
95% agree
91% agree
84% agree
Darwin Festival delivers high quality cultural experiences for the people of Northern Territory
UNIQUE
Darwin Festival helped me appreciate the NT’s unique characteristics
CONTENT
Darwin Festival reflects a broad and inclusive range of voices
SECTOR ENGAGEMENT
Darwin Festival offered a meaningful way to foster relationships, engage in art and build skills to help make our industry stronger through our Industry Connect program. Artists received invitations to talks, workshops and other opportunities to engage with visiting artists and their work. 132 people participated in the program which included a panel discussion with independent producers, physical workshop on play by Nicci Wilks, and a dance masterclass with DanceNorth.
COMMUNITY TIX
We are committed to fostering inclusivity by ensuring as many members of our community as possible can be involved. Thanks to the support of Dementia Australia, this year we were able to offer free and low-cost tickets to Proudfoot & Friends, BARKAA x Kobie Dee, Fourteen, He Huang, Queer PowerPoint, Big Name, No Blankets, and Arrkula Yinbayarra for not-for-profit organisations, charities, First Nations and multi-cultural organisations, as well as patrons holding a current Pension Card, Health Care Card or Basics Card. We issued over 750 free and low-cost Community Tix across the 2024 festival.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT & SUSTAINABILITY
Darwin Festival acknowledges our environmental responsibility and strives to be a catalyst for environmental change. We are committed to actioning initiatives that protect our natural environments and benchmark our environmental impact.
HOW WE ARE MINIMISING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
• 100% reusable cups at our two Festival Hubs –Festival Park and Sitzler Festival Lawn
• Reduced solid waste output by 102,106L between 2019 and 2024 through our food waste and composting efforts
• Between 2021 and 2024, we have crushed spirit and wine bottles into 7.7 tonnes of materials for construction projects
• 19,730 containers recycled via the Cash for Container Project – a social enterprise which offers growing employment opportunities for young people with disability
• We provide volunteers with reusable water bottles sponsored by BMD with Power and Water providing water stations at our Festival hubs
• 60kg of leftover merchandise recycled through UPPAREL, an Australian organization that collects, reuses, repurposes or recycles unwanted materials, ensuring that nothing makes it to landfill.
FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS
Darwin Festival would like to thank the 111 dedicated individuals who volunteered their time and energy towards making the 2024 Festival a success. From setting up marketing activations to supporting audiences and artists, these volunteers contributed over 964 hours of service over 18 days in August.
“Being enveloped in the spirit of Darwin Festival - the smiles, the smells, the music and seeing everyone come together. I felt proud to have been a part of what made people happy, to guide them to events, celebrate with them, and create a beautiful community.”
Darwin Festival 2024 volunteer
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL
In 2024, our ‘Friends of the Festival’ membership program continued to play a vital role in the success of Darwin Festival, with 620 dedicated members actively supporting the event. This year the program offered two tiers - Friends of the Festival and Best Friends of the Festival - each providing unique benefits. With 135 Best Friends and 485 Friends of the Festival, these loyal members acted as both brand ambassadors and core ticket buyers. In total, they purchased 5,889 tickets, with an impressive average of nearly 10 tickets per friend.
Offering exclusive perks like a priority booking window, multipack upgrades, bar benefits, and priority access to the INPEX Sunset Stage, the Friends of the Festival program continues to strengthen relationships between Darwin Festival and its most enthusiastic and passionate supporters. Best Friends further showcased their commitment by booking 1,021 tables across Festival events, underscoring the value and engagement the program inspires.
TOTAL FRIENDS
89% agree that their membership is value for money
93% agree that their membership is value for money
“As a Best Friend of Darwin Festival, you’re part of something truly special – a unique Dry Season experience under the stars, with exclusive pre-sale access, discounted tickets, and VIP entry. You’re not just enjoying the festival – you’re supporting the arts and local artists.”
Best Friend of the Festival 2024.
Credit: Elise Derwin
DARWIN FESTIVAL 2024 SEASONAL BRAND CREATIVE
Darwin Festival worked with brand strategy partner KWPX to further evolve the vibrant seasonal brand creative for 2024. This evolution retains the flowing lines, tropical shapes, vivid colours and textured elements that create a bright, playful and bold identity. The 2024 seasonal brand builds upon the great success of 2023, maintaining consistency while introducing new elements that capture the dynamic energy and excitement of the Festival.
Darwin Festival x Willing Distillery Gin
One Mile Brewing Co Pinky Alcoholic Lemonade
Branded Stubby Cooler
Food Signage
Credit: Charlie Bliss
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
Darwin Festival & Lexus Darwin Branded Cars
Darwin Festival 2024 Program Guide
Festival Park Box Office
Darwin International Airport Activation
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
912,000
225
14,500
23
614,200
468
1,540,700
716
36,649
Mailchimp subscribers during this period
68 eDMs sent
671,894
267,882
140,721
90%
PARTNERS
This year, we were proud to have the support of a record 71 corporate, foundation, funding and venue partners, all of whom played a crucial role in the success of the Festival. Through close collaboration, we work with our partners to create bespoke, unique partnerships that enhance the experience for our audiences while highlighting the cultural and tourism potential of Darwin and the Northern Territory.
FESTIVAL PARK
Festival Park, the vibrant hub of Darwin Festival, saw record-breaking attendance this year, drawing in over 58,000 visitors. This centrepiece of the festival continues to thrive thanks to the generous support of our corporate partners. Their contributions enable us to elevate the experience each year, making Festival Park a true highlight of the festival.
INPEX
An impressive 17,000+ audience members filled the
KOLSEN
The Kolsen Twilight Playground returned for its second year, featuring the illuminated immersive installation Lost Dogs’ Disco. People of all ages and abilities were invited to interact with this captivating display, creating a playful and inclusive experience for festival-goers.
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
AIRNORTH
Guests enjoyed a magical night under the stars at the new Airnorth Moonlight Lounge, located in Festival Park. This exclusive area offered a prime view of the electric festival atmosphere, creating a unique and enchanting experience for guests seeking the ultimate VIP festival experience.
ACROSS DARWIN
DARWIN PORT
Northern Territory artists are at the core of our program, showcased alongside highly acclaimed national and international performers. Darwin Port Bandstand, located at the heart of Festival Park, saw record-breaking attendance this year, with over 58,000 patrons enjoying nightly entertainment from 24 local acts and community groups. Darwin Port plays a vital role in the Territory community, and together, we shine a spotlight on the incredible talent thriving here in the Northern Territory.
Our partners help us create magical moments in our city and surrounding areas. Thanks to the support of our corporate partners, the festival continues to grow and expand, reaching new audiences and activating new venues. Together, we created unique experiences that showcase the vibrancy of Darwin and its surrounding communities.
SITZLER
Once again, the Festival Park precinct expanded to include the Sitzler Festival Lawn outside Parliament House. The festival site welcomed the return of the much-loved Spiegeltent, featuring the new hit show The Party plus two exciting new immersive experiences, FLIGHT and SÉANCE
CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY (CDU)
We partnered with CDU to bring the incredible rock ‘n’ roll theatre show Big Name, No Blankets to the iconic Darwin Amphitheatre, marking the opening of this year’s festival. The show paid tribute to the trailblazing music icons, Warumpi Band, drawing inspiration from stories shared by founding member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher. This powerful performance set the stage for a vibrant festival celebration.
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
CITY OF PALMERSTON
This year, the festival spread its wings to embrace Palmerston for the first time, featuring a fun-packed weekend program in Goyder Square. The new partnership with the City of Palmerston brought audiences together for a free Family Fiesta and two performances by Australian comedy legends, hosted by Merrick Watts.
HOSPITALITY NT
A Taste of Darwin, presented by Hospitality NT, offered audience members a chance to dive into Darwin’s vibrant culinary scene with a variety of new hosted tours. Participants enjoyed an Urban Cocktail Trail, embarked on a Foodies Bar Adventure, and indulged in an Italian Feast accompanied by a special performance from the Darwin Symphony Orchestra.
ENDEAVOUR GROUP
The Endeavour Group Closing Weekend at the Ski Club delivered three incredible concerts featuring some of our favourite artists. Marlon Williams and Kate Miller-Heidke captivated audiences with their unforgettable performances, while the legendary Cat Empire brought the festival to a close with a party to remember.
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Elise Derwin
Credit: Paz Tassone
COMMUNITY IMPACT PARTNERS
Community impact partners are vital for Darwin Festival as they enhance our reach and engagement within the community. Their support not only provides essential resources but also helps us connect with diverse audiences, fostering a sense of belonging and participation. By collaborating with these partners, we can achieve our goals more effectively and ensure the festival remains a vibrant celebration of arts and culture in the region.
TIM FAIRFAX FAMILY FOUNDATION & THE AUSTRALIAN CULTURAL FUND
RANDAZZO PROPERTIES
Darwin Festival is committed to making our events as accessible as possible for all members of our community to enjoy. With the support of Randazzo Properties we expanded our access program and offered a range of Auslan Interpreted shows and Sensory Friendly performances.
COMMUNITY IMPACT PARTNERS
Darwin Festival is supported by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and receives funding from Creative Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund. The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting arts and culture in regional and remote areas like Darwin. Their multi-year commitment to Darwin Festival has enabled the delivery of longterm goals and strategies, ensuring a sustainable future for the Festival.
BMD GROUP
The Darwin Festival Volunteers program fosters a deep connection with the community, drawing many locals back year after year to lend their support. BMD Group’s contribution played a crucial role in the program’s success, providing a dedicated volunteer coordinator, organising events and information sessions, and supplying custom t-shirts and water bottles.
MATARAZZIR
Darwin Festival relies on the generosity of supporters to create magical moments, support our talented Territory artists, and foster connections within the community. This year, we welcomed MatarazzIR, who joined us for the first time to match donations, effectively doubling their impact.
“I greatly appreciated the availability of an Auslan Interpreter at some events. Please continue working with the Deaf Community for more of this to happen. Thank you.”
Darwin Festival 2024 attendee
Credit: Elise Derwin
PARTNERS
PRINCIPAL
MAJOR PARTNERS
DISTINGUISHED PARTNERS PRODUCTION
VEHICLE PARTNER
VENUE PARTNERS
FOUNDATION PARTNERS
SUPPORTERS
ADG ENGINEERS | EXPRESS SIGNS | PONY & SID | ROMA BAR | TERRITORY EVENTS HIRE | TRAMPOLINE | WILLING DISTILLERY | WORMALD
OUR FESTIVAL DONORS
The incredible contributions from our donors helps us make memories and continue the Darwin Festival celebrations for generations to come.
DONOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FESTIVAL SUPERHERO
Ian & Jill Kew
Jeffrey Pinkerton OAM & Marilyn Pinkerton
FESTIVAL HERO
Mary Frost
Rodney and Pippa Swan
FESTIVAL ANGEL
Elevated Boutique
Claire Fell
Kate Fell
James Gough and Abbie Northwood
Peter Morris
Kezia Purick
Peter and Debbie Savoff
Susan and Paul Walsh
Anonymous x 2
FESTIVAL LOVER
Nicholas and Kelly Anstey
Randal Ash and Mireille Dessaint-Ash
Kevan and Noni Blake
Eithne Donlon and Jurgen Schaub
Professor Hugh Heggie AO PSM
Ian Lee
Kevin and Amanda Skelton
John and Susan Warburton
Lauren Hill
Neil Tilford
Robyn Williams
Anonymous x4
Administrator of the Northern Territory
TEAM
EXECUTIVE
AMBASSADOR
Hon Eva Lawler MLA Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
James Gough Chief Executive Officer
Kate Fell Artistic Director
PROGRAMMING
Emma Corrick
Head of Programming
Ciaran McDonald Producer, Festival Park & Sitzler Festival Lawn
Gaia Osborne Producer Music
Sarah Reuben Creative Producer
Alanah Hardy Programming Coordinator
Tangan Collective (Jocelyn Tribe & Kuya James) Club Awi Curators
OPERATIONS
Renee Allchurch Finance & Human Resource Manager
Cate Ganley Business Administrator
Mathilde Mercadier Volunteers Coordinator
DEVELOPMENT
Kay Crozier
Development Manager
Brianna Major Development Coordinator
DARWIN FESTIVAL BOARD
Christine Osborne (Chair), Ian Kew OAM, Lauren Ganley, Peter Savoff, Cathryn Tilmouth, Kristy Rees
