Renewable energy to power light festival during Earth Hour

By Anna McGuinness

Mar 24, 2022

Keen as a bean: Mayor Kim O'Keeffe, Stephen Merrylees, Louise Tremper, Bobby Nicholls and Damien Drum at the announcement of the Illuminate Festival. Photo by MeganFisher

As thousands of people switch off their lights from 8.30pm on Saturday to mark Earth Hour, Shepparton will be brightly lit for the Illuminate Festival.

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But Greater Shepparton City Council says it’s continuing its commitment to the cause with Illuminate mostly powered by renewable energy.

Earth Hour is an annual, global event on the last Saturday of March at 8.30pm and encourages people to turn off their lights to bring attention to climate change.

Council’s acting director of sustainable development Sharon Terry said council acknowledged the contradiction, but said council was trying to minimise its carbon footprint from the event.

Renewable: Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake will be lit up this weekend as part of the Illuminate Festival, which is coinciding with Earth Hour at 8.30pm on Saturday.

“While Illuminate is a light festival, it will be powered predominately by council’s 100 per cent renewable electricity contract,” she said.

“Any remaining emissions generated from powering the event will be calculated and offset through tree planting.”

She said council encouraged the community to get involved in Earth Hour and take “positive climate actions” in their daily lives.

This weekend’s Illuminate Festival was originally meant to take place in line with the opening of the Shepparton Art Museum in 2021.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was moved to this month to coincide with the annual Shepparton Festival.

Greater Shepparton City Council declared a climate emergency in 2020, adopting a 2030 zero carbon emission target and resolving to develop an action plan.

Illuminate Festival

Friday, March 25

The lighting adventure pathway along Victoria Park Lake allows you to spot glowing lily pads in the water and will operate all night, as will the robot garden, lighting and arts installations at Kaiela Arts.

A silent disco will get people moving and grooving from 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm.

Roving illuminated performers, including the Swan Sisters and Skullies, will provide entertainment across the precinct, while a kids’ area will also be set up.

More than 20 food trucks will be in operation.

Grim Fawkner will start at 6pm, with Adalita from 7pm and Clare Bowditch at 8pm.

Saturday, March 26

The second night will include all of the amazing light works, illuminated performers, food trucks and activities as Friday night.

Additionally, the CFA torchlight procession will take place from 8.30pm along Wyndham St, Shepparton.

On stage, Drew Walker will begin playing at 5pm and The Deans of Soul from 5.50pm.

Wulumbarra and Minyerra will perform a Welcome to Country at 6.45pm before Eliott from 7.10pm and headliner Christine Anu from 9pm.

A 12-minute laser, light and sound show will begin at 9.50pm as the finale of Illuminate.

Greater Shepparton City Council is expecting large crowds, meaning it may take some time to find a park.

The north-bound lanes of Wyndham St will be closed from 4pm to 11pm on Saturday only.

All vendors will accept cash and card payment, while some seating will be supplied for the stage and food trucks, but bringing your own picnic rug and chairs is encouraged.

There are no vaccination or check-in requirements to enter the festival.

Illuminate is presented and funded by Greater Shepparton City Council, Visit Shepparton and the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, with support from SAM, Kaiela Arts and the Shepparton Festival.

For more information, including the program and site map to help you find your way around the SAM precinct, visit www.visitshepparton.com.au/illuminate