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DARWIN FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES MASSIVE 2017 PROGRAM

Running over 18 tropical days this August (Thursday 10 – Sunday 27), Darwin Festival today announces a program of over 80 events, jam-packed with breathtaking performances, laugh out loud shows, immersive experiences and family fun.

The Northern Territory’s biggest cultural celebration brings together the very best in local, national and international talent for an action-packed season of performance and play. Highlights of the 2017 season include: Rock legends You am I, who will open the Festival; The Project’s resident funny man Tommy Little with his new show, Good Talk; the powerful new theatre piece, HART, detailing Australia’s treatment of the First People; A Beyoncé dance workshop and stellar music line-up that includes indie-darlings Dappled Cities and Felix Riebl, as well as award winning hip-hop duo A.B. Original.

Following sold out seasons at London’s West End, Brisbane Festival, Adelaide Fringe and the Sydney Opera House, 2017 Darwin Festival will also play host to Strut & Fret’s saucy new production BLANC de BLANC. Featuring the finest cabaret and acrobatic talent from around the world, BLANC de BLANC will play for the duration of the Festival in The Aurora Spiegeltent on Darwin’s Parliament Lawns.

Acting Artistic Director Felix Preval said, “We know people come to the Festival because they’re looking for experiences that are unusual and that they won’t find anywhere else. From intimate circus works to large cultural experiences, the programming for this year’s Darwin Festival is a reflection of the spirit of the Territory and the people who live here: cheeky, challenging and inventive.”

The Minister for Tourism and Culture, The Hon Lauren Moss said, “The Northern Territory Government is proud to support Darwin’s premier festival.

“The program this year is exciting and demonstrates the Festival’s broad appeal, and I encourage all Territorians to book their tickets without delay.

“Darwin Festival is a highlight on the annual major events calendar and always brings in large numbers of interstate and international visitors, providing a windfall for the tourism industry.

“I look forward to attending as much of the program as I can”

Celebrate the opening of this year’s Darwin Festival with an unforgettable evening of Australian music at the Santos Opening Night Concert.  Kicking off the evening is Tiwi Islands group B2M with their unique pop R’n’B sound. Headlining the Opening Night are Australian rock legends You Am I. After 25 years together, 10 studio albums, 10 ARIA Awards and hundreds of sold-out shows, You Am I are making their way back to the Darwin Festival! Promising an evening of epic rock ‘n’ roll tunes, this is a party you do not want to miss. The FREE night of fun begins 6pm, Thursday 10 August on the Little Mindil Lawns.   

This year’s Darwin Festival boasts a fantastic musical line-up featuring the very best artists and bands from Australia and overseas.  Hip-hop duo A. B. Original are set to storm The Lighthouse stage bringing powerful rhythms and unapologetic lyrics that pack a political punch. After releasing her stunning solo album Pool late last year, Sassy diva Clairy Browne is bringing her infectious edgy pop and sultry R ‘n’ B tunes to Darwin. Watch the Moschino-loving boss bitch bring the house down on Saturday 26 August.

Also igniting The Lighthouse stage are Sydney’s indie pop veterans Dappled Cities and Cat Empire’s charming singer and percussionist Felix Riebl. Yirrmal and the Miliyawutj will bring inspired songs about identity, spirit and connection to the land.

The Darwin Railway Club will stage some incredible musical acts this year. Ali Barter brings sweet vocals and delicate harmonies to an intimate set at The Rails. Hear radio favourites ‘Please Stay’ and ‘Girlie Bits’ on Friday 11 August.  

Critically acclaimed Cambodian Space Project will deliver an eclectic combination of ‘60s Cambodian rock ‘n’ roll and trippy psychedelic Khmer soul. See this wonderfully unique performance Saturday 12 August.

Electronic beat makers Tijuana Cartel are sure to get you dancing with an innovative tapestry of intricate soundscapes, pulsating rhythms and luscious vocals. Dance the night away on Friday 25 August.

Keep those party vibes going til morning with Club Awi. Every Friday and Saturday night of the Festival, Happy Yess will host dance parties that bring together the slickest electronic dance DJs from Australia and overseas. Get ready to party in style with the likes of Femme FUNKALE (NT) and DJ Total Eclipse (NYC).

The 2017 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) celebrate the best in contemporary Indigenous music, dance and culture. Presented by MusicNT, the NIMAs will feature artists like Apakatjah, Emily Wurramara and the legendary Paul Kelly. Bring the whole family along for a fantastic musical evening under the stars on Saturday 12 August at The Amphitheatre.


For more information go to www.darwinfestival.org.au 

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