Power-Up Parade

Boogie to the theme from Super Mario Brothers at City of Palmerston’s Geekfest, as the Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) hits the streets with an entourage of their Young Artists and friends.

^{By Tierney White}

NEVER AN ARTS org to shy away from unique experiences, the Power-Up Parade allows the DSO to engage with audiences beyond the Berrimah Line. DSO Young Artists Program Coordinator Nick Yates says everyone’s invited to be part of the fun. 

“Myself, a couple of DSO musicians, and a couple of DSO Young Artists will be there as part of Palmerston Youth Festival, and we’re helping kids, adults, teenagers – whoever wants to, young and old – be part of the fun,” he says. 

Participants are invited to create an instrument influenced by the characters of Super Mario Brothers – channel your inner Mario or Luigi with trumpets made from pipes or beat a drum a la Bowser style. There’s a short rehearsal before this noisy cohort proudly parades through Geekfest. 

“Last year, we did bucket drums and lagerphones – bottle caps on a stick – trumpets made from pipes and funnels,” Yates says. 

“The workshop in instrument making is from five until seven, and we’ll have some masks and costumes, then at seven-thirty, we’ll do a big parade through Goyder Square – through the market stalls and everything playing the Super Mario Brothers theme.” 

Geekfest is the Territory's biggest comic con and kicks off this year’s Palmerston Youth Festival, dishing out a week of free and fun activities. The 2024 Geekfest features cosplay, board games, face painting, virtual reality gaming, a silent disco, K-Pop, and more, and there’s also an immersive light experience facilitated by Northern Lights NT to take you on a futuristic journey. 

If you’re ready to hit the streets and be part of the DSO for a night, engage your Star Power and join the Power-Up Parade.

Geekfest Top End 
WHEN SAT 6 JUL | 5-10PM 
AT GOYDER SQUARE, PALMERSTON 
COST FREE | REGISTER ONLINE 
INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

^{Photos: Hannah Herbert}