Canberra Prosperous Mountain Dragon and Lion Dance troupe lead the sunset lantern walk around the wetlands. Photo: Hedda Murray.
Inner north festival Light Up Lyneham returns on 2 August for an evening of interactive, community fun, with an environmental focus. The annual event is run by the Lyneham Community Association and has become a much loved celebration for residents of the suburb and beyond.
Lyneham Community Association (LCA) President Trevor Vickers told Region the festival had expanded its footprint this year, and they were excited to have more groups participating.
“There will be plenty of food and heaps more stalls to look at,” he said.
“We’re using both carparks at the shops this year, and we always try to mix it up each year so there’s something different.”
Art installations will light up the Lyneham Wetlands. Photo: Hedda Murray.
The highlight of the event is always the Sunset Lantern Walk around the Lyneham Wetlands. Led by the Canberra Prosperous Mountain Dragon and Lion Dance troupe, attendees take their homemade lanterns around the wetlands, which are lit up with art installations.
“The installations at the wetlands are going to be phenomenal! And there will be performers along the route as well – a choir, and some dancers with lit-up costumes,” Trevor said.
Installations this year have been made by a mix of artists such as David Pope, and community groups such as Black Mountain Girl Guides and the 13th Canberra Scout Group, who will also have a stall for lantern making and crafts. Lanterns will also be available to purchase from LCA.
The Mr Tim Family band will once again be performing at Light Up Lyneham. Photo: Hedda Murray.
This year’s event features two stages with a program of performances by community bands such as the John Agnew Band and Prism Jazz Band. If you feel inspired by the performances, representatives from Newbury Brass Band – an inclusive band which encourages participation at all levels – will be on hand to give people a chance to try out different instruments.
Other ways to get involved in the entertainment include trying your hand at juggling with the crew from Juggle Hub, having a go on the slackline, or testing your unicycling skills with the help of ACT Unicycling.
Circus Warehouse will also do a stunning fire performance, and will have roving LED-lit performers throughout the event.
The festival is aiming to have a low environmental impact and is partnering with SeeChange’s Waste Less group to put together a low-waste festival strategy.
“SeeChange is hoping they’ll be able to adapt this strategy to other larger festivals. We’re encouraging people to bring their own cups and cutlery, there will be volunteers at the waste stations, and then they’ll do a waste audit the next day to see if it was effective,” Trevor said.
This year the organisers are also hosting a photo competition. Entry is free and you can submit as many photos as you like for the chance to win a prize of $250.
Light Up Lyneham will take place on Saturday 2 August from 3 to 8 pm at Lyneham Shops, Wattle Street, and the Lyneham Wetlands.
Find out more on the Lyneham Community Association website, or on Facebook.
