This Easter sees the return of the Parrtjima, a Festival in Light, in the Red Centre, with this year's music and talks program now released.
The breathtaking event will take place from 7-16th of April 2023 on Mparntwe (Alice Springs) which is connected to the estates of Mparntwe, Antulye and Irlpme.
The Festival Parrtjima will showcase a collection of music genres, including reggae, pop, rock, soul, RnB, hip hop and rap.
Parrtjima visitors will experience a musical journey through different Indigenous lands and languages across the 10 nights of the free events.
There is music of all tastes with high-energy performances of funk-reggae outfit the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and the soulful rock of Paul Ah Chee 'Ngala' to the unique sounds of Richard Frankland and the sensational talent of JK-47.
"We are really looking forward to Parrtjima. We love playing for a home crowd and this is a great opportunity to rock the red dirt dance floor of Desert Park," said Andrew Gurruwiwi from Andrew Gurruwiwi Band.
"Playing outside in front of the MacDonnell Ranges really is such a unique and amazing experience!"
The Parrtjima talks program will see a number of prominent Aboriginal people discuss a range of topics, including actor Steven Oliver, marathon hero Charlie Maher, media identity Naomi Moran, Aboriginal health researcher Roxanne Ngarulya Highfold, scientist Corey Tutt, and former Northern Territory Senator and Olympian Nova Peris.
"The thump of the feet on the red soil, red dust rising, singing against the wind, hearing the whispers of our ancestors, you know then this is Mparntwe," Ms Ngarulya Highfold said.
NT Minister for Major Events Paul Kirby said that each year Parrtjima "takes us on a journey through First Nations art and culture, and this year we will be immersed in the world of the Anangu people of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands, as well as walk on the lands of the Arrernte people".
"This year's music program is visually stunning and offers so much more. Thousands will visit one of the most beautiful regions of the country, where they get to enjoy everything the festival and the Red Centre has to offer," he said.
The 2023 theme for Parrtjima is "Listening with Heart". Inspired by the artwork surrounding the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Listening with Heart embodies the concept of coming together, meeting and taking the time to contemplate and reflect.
Under the guidance of artist Rene Kulitja, who led the group of artists that created the artwork, the stunning piece will be brought to life as a large-scale, immersive light installation.
Described as the 'only authentic' Aboriginal light festival of its kind,Parrtjima features a full program of workshops, film, talks and more alongside the lively music line-up, with more details to be announced soon.
