Wetlands display: Illuminated artworks such as this dragonfly were made from recycled materials. Artwork and Photo: Jocelyn Barbic.
The Lyneham Community Association (LCA) is once again holding its hugely popular event, Light Up Lyneham.
The community festival will feature live music, stalls, arts and crafts, family activities and, of course, the lantern walk through the wetlands.
Long-time LCA member Trevor Vickers is one of the organisers and explained that events like this help give people a sense of community.
“People feel good to be a part of something and helping out; people like giving back. All of those things help people feel connected, safe and comfortable in their environment,” he told Region.
“For me, it gives me a real sense that I belong here and I’m a part of this community.”
Drummers Not Plumbers: a crowd-participation performance, with Matthew Armstrong and Katie Cole. Photo: Jasper Moyle.
The event will have a ‘party at the shops’ vibe, with live music across two stages as well as roving circus performers. Three local bands will be playing, as well as the John Agnew Band, Andante Andante choir and The Whiskey Sippers folk band.
There will be stalls selling hot drinks like Mulled Wine from The Old Canberra Inn and Hot Chocolate from Hide and Seek cafe, as well as several food trucks. There are also many local community groups and businesses getting involved, with more than 50 volunteers dedicating their time and effort to the event.
“Tt’s always bigger and brighter than last time,” Trevor said.
“One of the main aims of the LCA is to build community. And it really feels like this event is by the community for the community.”
The Lantern Walk. Photo: Geoffrey Dunn.
The main feature event of the evening is the sunset lantern walk through the wetlands, led by the illuminated lion from Canberra Prosperous Mountain and Lion Dance.
Participants are encouraged to make their own lanterns (there are easy instructions on the LCA website) or make one on the day with the 3 Canberra Scout Group. They will also be available to purchase from the LCA stall on the night.
The path around the wetlands will meander past several other performers like Canberra duo The Cashews as well as topical tunes from the Light Up Lyneham Singers. There will also be illuminated artworks by Jocelyn Barbic, which are made from recycled materials.
Fire twirling with Guy Alias. Photo: Kate Bradney.
Last year the event attracted about 2000 people, and the organisers have responded to community feedback by doubling the number of food vans and tripling the number of toilets to avoid long queues at both.
The event started from a local family holding their own lantern walk, inspired by similar events overseas, which ballooned to include more people each year. The LCA took on organising responsibilities in 2017, and this is their sixth Light Up Lyneham event.
Light Up Lyneham will be held from 3 pm to 8 pm on Saturday, 3 August. It is free to attend.
The event is located at Lyneham Shops on Wattle Street. Find out more from the Lyneham Community Association, or RSVP to the Facebook event.
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