Darwin Festival Hot 2018 Shows

Set across 18 balmy days and nights, Darwin Festival returns Thursday 9 – Sunday 26 August 2018. Get set for another dry season of the sexiest cabaret, stellar theatrical shows, hot live music acts, knee-slapping comedy and family fun.

Your first taste of this fabulous festival wonderland has arrived, with six stand-out shows on sale now.

The Santos Opening Night Concert will celebrate the history of Indigenous country music in Australia with the special presentation of Buried Country. Incorporating live music, stories, art and video, singers and songwriters from across the nation and generations will be brought together, including iconic elders Roger Knox and L.J. Hill, legends Warren H. Williams and Buddy Knox, and younger artists Leah Flanagan, Luke Peacock and James Henry.

The stunning Aurora Spiegeltent makes a grand return to the Festival, taking pride of place at The Esplanade to serve up a magic new show, LIMBO. From the creators of last year's sell out smash hit, BLANC de BLANC, LIMBO is set to wow Territorians with its intoxicating mix of cabaret, circus and acrobatics. This show is so hot, Madonna saw it twice!

South Africa and New Zealand's cheekiest export Urzila Carlson takes a break from her star turn on Have You Been Paying Attention? to offer up a hilarious night of comedy in her new show, Studies Have Shown. On the musical side, the country's freshest new Indigenous talent Baker Boy checks into The Lighthouse, bringing his hip-hop stylings and energetic flair for one huge night. Engrossing storytelling meets the visceral thrill of live boxing in Prize Fighter, a tough and unforgiving theatrical experience inspired by playwright Future D. Fidel's own life experiences as a former Congolese child soldier and refugee. Finally, treat the family to a night out at The Australian Ballet's most charming comedy, Coppélia, promising mischief and magic that the whole family will enjoy.

Darwin Festival Artistic Director Felix Preval says the 2018 program is an eclectic mix of energetic experiences for all. 'Darwin audiences are unique in what they love to experience, so with this in mind we've really looked at shows that speak to this desire for all things inspiring, enlightening, quirky, and off-kilter. Much like Territorians themselves, this line up of early release shows contains a healthy mix of heart, honesty and hilarity."

Acting Minister for Tourism and Culture, Eva Lawler said the Darwin Festival will once again transform the Darwin CBD into a bustling arts and cultural experience.

'Territorians love Darwin Festival; it is a wonderful celebration of our arts, culture and lifestyle which is why Government is contributing over $1 million to support its success in 2018," Ms Lawler said.

'This investment is part of the Territory Labor Government's record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package which includes $20.78 million to support our festivals, events and experiences recognising the role they play in cementing the Territory's reputation as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

'This year, in line with our Turbocharging Tourism push, there will be a stronger focus on attracting interstate and international visitors to Darwin for the Festival, injecting more money into the economy and local businesses.

'I look forward to enjoying another exciting Darwin Festival program in August."

Darwin Festival is the Northern Territory's biggest festival of arts and culture. Each August, Darwin Festival combines warm outdoor festivities with a program rich with local, national and international talent over 18 dazzling days and night to celebrate the quintessential spirit and energy of Darwin, with its laidback, friendly lifestyle.

EARLY RELEASE TICKETS are on sale from 10am Thursday 3 May and can be purchased at www.darwinfestival.org.au

The full program cabaret, theatre, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts under the stars and fun family events will be announced on Thursday 21 June.

Darwin Festival is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government, Festivals NT and City of Darwin.