Welcome to the 47^th annual BEAT. The BEAT Festival embodies the enthusiasm, dedication and creativity of NT public schools and our students, teachers, admin staff and parents, along with the entire NT Department of Education & Training.

Special welcome to new and newly returning schools to the choir this year – Stuart Park Primary School, Durack Primary School, Howard Springs Primary School, Darwin High School 7-12 and Driver Secondary College – as well as new dance schools – Stuart Park Primary School. Special thanks to Maningrida College and Casuarina Street Primary School who have made the long trip to Darwin to join us in presenting the BEAT!

The Darwin BEAT, in its 47^th year, is the second of three major BEAT Festival events in the annual calendar. The 11^th Katherine BEAT has already been successfully staged this term, and the 15^th Alice BEAT is still to come in Term 4.

Thank you to everyone for your vital support in valuing and celebrating the dedication, courage and creativity of all the participating students.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, the Northern Territory Government, for their support. Thanks also to AANT Centre for their ongoing partnership, and to

E3 Productions as sponsors, thank you.