GUY SEBASTIAN AND L.A.B TO OPEN DARWIN FESTIVAL AT STUNNING WATERFRONT VENUE

Darwin Waterfront

Darwin Festival (7–24 August) has announced that singer, songwriter, producer and one of Australia’s most beloved artists, Guy Sebastian will kick off this year’s 18-night celebration with a special performance on Friday 8 August 2025, at the festival’s new outdoor venue, the picturesque Fort Hill Parklands at Darwin Waterfront Precinct.

Presented in partnership with NT-based SRO Events, the opening weekend concert series continues on Saturday 9 August 2025 with the Darwin debut of powerhouse New Zealand act L.A.B known for its genre-blending mix of reggae, electronic, blues, and funk.

Supporting L.A.B is the high-energy Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, delivering its signature Yolŋu funk sound from the beaches of Birrtjimi and Yirrkala in Northeast Arnhem Land and local favourite Juran. On opening night, Gabriella Cilmi and the Alice Springs duo The Wanted Gems will warm up the stage for Sebastian.

“Bringing artists like Guy and L.A.B to a venue as special as the Waterfront’s Fort Hill Parklands, alongside top Territory talent, is what makes Darwin Festival so unique,” said Darwin Festival Artistic Director Kate Fell. “These are one-of-a-kind experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else in Australia.”

Darwin Festival CEO James Gough said: “We are partnering with SRO Events to deliver large-scale events in the Northern Territory and delivering this opening weekend at a new location at Darwin Waterfront allows up to highlight the city's breathtaking harbour, and showcases the Territory as a cultural destination on the national stage.”

Guy Sebastian

Danielle Jones, Managing Director of opening weekend event partner SRO Events, added: “Partnering with Darwin Festival is an exciting opportunity to deliver events that make a genuine impact – culturally, socially, and economically. We’re excited to collaborate in bringing events of this calibre to Darwin Waterfront and creating memorable experiences for our community.”

Darwin Waterfront Corporation Chair Patrick Bellott echoed the excitement: “Our restaurants and bars are thrilled to play a bigger role in this year’s festival. We’re ready to serve up the best food and vibes to match an unforgettable opening weekend.”

Tickets are now available for both Fort Hill Parklands performances at darwinfestival.org.au.

Darwin Festival’s full program of cabaret, theatre, comedy, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts under the stars and fun family events will be announced on Tuesday 3 June. 

Audiences are invited to sign up as a Friend of the Festival (darwinfestival.org.au/friends) for early ticket access to the full program.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/