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Independent research has shown Darwin Festival to have significantly contributed to the Northern Territory economy - revealing the 2022 event delivered a total economic impact of $32.5 million.

This year’s event, which took place from 4th-21st August 2022, recorded a record-breaking 170,008 attendances and sold an impressive 39,361 tickets to locals and visitors.

A total of 65% of ticketed shows sold out across 150 performances in 20 venues, proving the popularity of the 2022 program, which featured everything from music, theatre, comedy and dance to cabaret, visual arts and kids’ attractions. 

The 2022 instalment also generated an impressive 68,337 visitor nights, cementing the important role the event plays in contributing to the visitor economy.

Darwin Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC).

NTMEC Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy advised “Darwin Festival has long been an icon on the Territory’s calendar of events, and we are thrilled to see this Top End drawcard achieve record-breaking results this year.

“Festivals play such an important role in helping the Territory thrive as a must-do visitor destination, and these research results further demonstrate the vital links between delivering events to boost visitation, help back local businesses and further develop our economy.

“We are proud to support Darwin Festival and would like to congratulate the organisers on another successful event that not only broke records but also earnt them a 2022 Brolga Award.

“Investing in events that put the Territory on the map, contribute to our vibrant Territory lifestyle and showcase the best in arts and culture right here in our own backyard is a key priority of ours, and we look forward to seeing what this incredible festival will achieve in the years to come.”

Darwin Festival also achieved an incredible Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 80, which is deemed as excellent/world class.

In addition, 86% of surveyed respondents agreed Darwin Festival delivers high-quality cultural experiences for the people of the Northern Territory. A total of 90% of those surveyed recognised the significant local impact of the event, saying it was important the festival was happening in Darwin.

The positive research results come off the back of Darwin Festival taking out the 2022 ‘Major Festivals and Events’ Brolga Award at the tourism industry’s night of nights held in Alice Springs on Saturday, 12th November 2022.

Darwin Festival Chief Executive James Gough enthused “we were excited to welcome interstate and overseas visitors and artists back to Larrakia country to be part of the huge Darwin Festival 2022 program, and we were fortunate that nothing got in the way of us celebrating 18 fun-filled nights of culture and the arts.

“It was amazing to see record crowds soaking up the atmosphere at our hub venue, Festival Park, and being part of the action at Darwin Amphitheatre and Jervois Park.”

Darwin Festival returns to the Top End from 10th-27th August 2023. For more info visit www.darwinfestival.org.au. 

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