Early bird tickets are now on sale for an exciting new event in the stunning Red Centre.

Dark Skies Festival will take place from 6-14 May 2021 at Earth Sanctuary in Alice Springs, and a future ticket release will include the opportunity to camp in a swag under the glorious Central Australia night sky.

That same canopy of stars, including a glimpse of the Milky Way, lies at the heart of the festival, which celebrates our connection to the night skies through a fusion of art, science and culture.

Early bird tickets are available now for $20, which includes entry to the festival, and its program of astronomy talks and art installations. Tickets to join the program of workshops, signature live music event, and to camp overnight will be released shortly.

Dark Skies Festival is part-funded by the Northern Territory Government through its Event Funding program, administered by the Northern Territory Major Events Company.

The nine-night festival will feature projection-based artworks, talks by astronomers and enthusiasts, live music, workshops and more.

To find out more visit https://earth-sanctuary.com.au/dark-skies-festival or follow the Dark Skies Festival Facebook page.

Quotes from Minister for Major Events, Natasha Fyles:

“The Territory has remained the safest place in the country, and as a result, we can host an exciting calendar of events for 2021 which will be sure to draw in visitors from right around the country.  

“This influx will benefit the Central Australian economy, with more money to flow through local businesses.

“This brand new festival will be yet another magnet for Territory tourism, with the Red Centre’s vast night sky and natural wonders on show.   

“Dark Skies Festival organisers recognised this, and created a whole new event to celebrate this natural beauty, encourage people to visit the region, and entertain, educate and delight.”

Quotes from Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Chansey Paech:

“Excitement is building for Dark Skies Festival, which shows this event clearly strikes a chord with people.

“It’s fantastic to see Territory Labor Government funding supporting innovation and development in our events sector, especially after such a difficult 2020.”

Quotes from Dan Falzon, Director, Earth Sanctuary and Festival Co-Director:

“We believe our views of the galaxy from Central Australia are one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth.

“The Milky Way, our majestic central river, appears to pop out of the sky on dark nights, a visual and dimensional spectacle you must see in your lifetime.”