Celebrate Territory Day
Get ready for Territory Day 2016 ‘cause this one’s a cracker – pun intended!
Ah, Territory Day. The only day in Australia when it’s legal to buy fireworks and release them into the night’s sky. Or the day’s sky for those who can’t wait. On 1 July each year, we celebrate the Territory’s self-governance, history, achievements and unique lifestyle.
Major Territory Day events are held across the Territory, and smaller events like backyard BBQs bring Territorian friends and families together. Whether letting off a few crackers, turning up the telly to block the sound out, or reflecting on the long journey to self-governance, everyone’s got their own way of celebrating.
In Alice Springs, Territory Day is at the Alice Springs Show with headline act B2M from the Tiwi Islands. Palmerston has its first signature event in 2016 at Marlow's Lagoon and in Katherine, large scale community dance event K-Town Dance Massive returns, backed up by a fireworks display at the Katherine Show Grounds. In Tennant Creek there’s a family-friendly music event with Opera Australia and local artists Rayella, with fireworks at the Purkiss Reserve Football Oval.
In Darwin, the Free Territory Day Concert at Mindil Beach draws around 25,000 people – with camping chairs and picnic rugs in tow. Spend the afternoon with friends and family, munching on picnics and sipping drinks as our iconic Territory sunset fades into the night. The afternoon is backed up with an evening of entertainment by local and visiting acts. This year, colourful, make-you-wanna-dance, ska and jazz band The Cat Empire are hitting centre stage. They’ll have you out of that camping chair and having a boogie-woogie in no time. Hchello hchello! The night is capped off with the mother of all fireworks displays in the NT – it truly is a sight to behold.
So however you decide to spend your Territory Day, remember what it’s all about – it’s our day!
To find out more, visit territoryday.nt.gov.au or facebook.com/territorydayitsourday
Free Territory Day Concert | Fri 1 Jul, from 5pm | Free | Mindil Beach
