Territory Day - 1 July

Join in the celebrations this Territory Day, Sunday 1 July 2018.

FREE Events across the Territory

Join thousands of Territorians who attend the major public events and public fireworks displays on Territory Day.

Details about all activities taking place on 1 July are available on our What's On page.

Please note that personal fireworks are not allowed at public events.

Personal Fireworks on Territory Day

Territory Day fireworks are undeniably a Territory tradition and they have been a mainstay on our calendar for more than three decades.

The Territory Day fireworks tradition started on 1 July 1980 when cabinet decided that the celebration of Self-Government was a more relevant occasion for Territorians than Guy Fawkes Day in November, which at the time was the NT's “cracker night”

When the NT Government consulted Territorians about the future of Territory Day in 2014, there were strong views on both sides of the private fireworks debate, but many Territorians love that we are the only State or Territory in Australia to enjoy this privilege.

Fireworks can be purchased in the lead up to Territory Day and can only be used on Sunday 1 July 2018 between 6.00pm and 11.00pm.

Personal fireworks are not permitted at Territory Day community events.

Please ensure you read our Safe Celebrations guide for safety tips.

Citizenship ceremonies

Territory Day is a day we welcome new citizens into our country. They pledge their commitment to become Australian citizens in a very special Citizenship Ceremony.

In Darwin the Chief Minister presides over a Citizenship Ceremony on the lawns of Parliament House following the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony.

Flag raising ceremony

The very first Flag Raising Ceremony took place at Darwin’s Cenotaph on The Esplanade, when the NT was officially granted Self-Government by the Commonwealth.

Today the Chief Minister holds a special flag raising ceremony on the lawns of Parliament House to officially acknowledge Territory Day.