Up to 30 classes of lucky students will experience the Dark Skies Festival in Alice Springs for free on special school nights thanks to the host, Earth Sanctuary.

The Dark Skies Festival, which runs from 6-14 May 2021, will celebrate our innate connection to the astonishing Central Australian night skies through a fusion of art, science and culture. This includes projection-based artworks, scientific talks, musical performances, workshops and more.

If you are a teacher and you want your class to be in with a chance of securing one of the limited school spots, register your Expression of Interest here. 

Parents, don’t despair. If your child’s class misses out, the family friendly astronomy and arts festival will also hold a special workshop for children on 8 May 2021.

Local performance company Circosis will combine learning with play as they teach young ones how to hula-hoop under the stars as they learn about the orbits of planets in our solar system.

Tickets for this special, one-off experience are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

Dark Skies Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company.

To find out more about the festival, 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 Dark Skies Festival is shaping up as a valuable drawcard for both locals and visitors from all ages.

“There is no better way to learn about the solar system than under the incredible Red Centre night sky.

“Plenty is on offer, so check out the program and don’t miss the Supernova Cosmic Journey on 13 May.”

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

“The team at Earth Sanctuary is over the Moon to see more than 500 students nominate to take part in this year’s Dark Skies Festival.

“Our educational evenings from May 10-13 have seen incredible interest, he response signalling the true value of space exploration, science and art to our future minds. We can’t wait to join the students and teachers under the Milky Way for what will be an extraordinary experience for all.”

Quotes from Anna Dakin, Manager, Dark Skies Festival:

“Looking up at the night sky for the first time as a kid is something I’ll never forget. It is great we can share this experience with school groups in Alice Springs. These kids are going to have so much fun hula hooping. There is nothing like learning through play.”