BATHED in a gentle violet wash of light, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr this morning launched the program for ‘Enlighten 2015’.
Andrew Barr enlightened in violet
But while lighting up Canberra may be the focal theme of this event, to run from late February to early March next year, but noodles and exotic food seemed to be on the organisers’ minds, with the addition of the new ‘Enlighten’ Night Noodle Markets, intended to create a bustling atmosphere with Asian-style food, including Asian-style gelato from Gelato Messina, themed bars and live music in upper Commonwealth Place.
Events ACT’s Adelina La Vita introduced media to the festival which, she said, would “light up Canberra for nine spectacular nights.”
Now in its fifth year, she explained, ‘Enlighten’ would transform the Parliamentary Triangle into an arts precinct with free and ticketed entertainments and the event’s most-loved feature, architectural projections onto six of Canberra’s most famous buildings.
As well, the organisers had partnered have partnered with 12 of the capital’s cultural institutions to open their doors after dark to host a range of events and experiences.
Ticketed events will include the Royal Australian Mint’s 50th anniversary celebration, “Party Like its 1965”, the National Museum of Australia’s “By the Water” concert featuring Katie Noonan and the opportunity to enjoy a sunset on the roof of Australian Parliament House.
Spanish aerial act, “Voala Station”
There’ll be two Australian firsts, the Spanish aerial act, “Voala Station”, and a visually light installation staged on Lake Burley Griffin and called “Voyage”.
For his part, Mr Barr’s said ‘Enlighten’ could best be characterised as “a great get-together.”
Speaking with his tourism and events hat on, he traced the history of an event that he said started “in a humble way” with a few international rock stars five years ago.
It had now, he said, become “an anchor for Canberra in autumn.” The aim of creating a package of events had last year seen 125,000 people attending and in his view ‘Enlighten’ had now been embraced by the broader Canberra community.
Mr Barr said that in setting up ‘Enlighten’, the ACT Government had been “an enabler.”
And it was his fond hope that we could soon send steal the title from Wellington, New Zealand of being “the coolest little capital in the world.”
They the launch would treat it to a video outlining the high points of ‘Enlighten’, emphasising both creative and festive elements of an event that so far takes place strictly after dark.
‘Enlighten 2015’, February 27 to March 7, Parliamentary Triangle, for program and tickets visit enlightencanberra.com.au
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