The BEAT Festival 2024 - HOME

About the Beat Festival 

The BEAT Festival is the NT Department of Education's annual performing arts showcase. It is a large scale combined schools production led by the NT Music School with the support of the BEAT Foundation, showcasing the great work of our schools. An annual and keenly anticipated event since 1979, the 3 shows in September each year typically feature:

• 300 voice choir
• 25 piece orchestra
• dance groups and other physical performers
• rock bands, soloists and other musical ensembles
• talented vocalists from ages 12 to 18
• a great production featuring great lighting, sound and audio visual content

Audiences that fill the Darwin Entertainment Centre glimpse the wealth of talent in public schools, and see the dedication, commitment and creativity of the teachers who nurture that talent.

The BEAT Foundation
The BEAT Foundation has a long history in the youth arts landscape of the Northern Territory. For more than 35 years a dedicated band of people and organisations have worked together, making the annual Rotary BEAT Foundation Awards and BEAT Festival performances iconic events in the performing arts calendar, anticipated widely in the community.

The Foundation is a charitable incorporated association, primarily funded by the NT Department of Education, the Rotary Club of Darwin, the Darwin City Council and other sponsors. The board comprises members of the Rotary Club of Darwin, NT Department of Education, school leaders, the Production team at the NT Music School, parents and community members. The current chair is Mr Bill Grose, Principal of the NT Music School.