MAKING its much-anticipated return to Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake precinct for two nights this weekend, the Illuminate Festival will come alive to celebrate music, food and art. Illuminate is a free, family-friend event, celebrating creativity and innovation of arts and culture in the region. Last years’ event drew over 20,000 people to the region, coming from 167 different destinations.
Friday night will see local artists from Shepparton and Goulburn Valley take the stage, while Saturday night will feature a Melbourne-based band and a multi-award-winning blues band, with supporting acts by Fruity Pickers, Pit Crew, and traditional dancers. Illuminate will come to life on Friday, May 5 at 6pm and conclude on Saturday night.
The event celebrates Greater Shepparton’s creativity as a regional Victoria’s abundant and dynamic cultural capital, according to Greater Shepparton City Council mayor, Cr Shane Sali. The festival features an immersive walkthrough installation by artists Mimi Leung and Tammy-Lee Atkinson, a 27m long fully illuminated lizard, a Dream Walk, and a kid’s creation area.
Illuminate 2023 is presented and funded by Greater Shepparton City Council, Shepparton and Goulburn Valley and the Victorian State Government. This two-day festival celebrates Greater Shepparton’s creativity, innovation, and perseverance, featuring mesmerising lighting installations and experiences along the shores of Victoria Park Lake, food trucks, roving illuminated performances, and spectacular hourly laser light shows across both evenings.
Visitors can find more details on the festival, including the full program of activities on the Shepparton and Goulburn Valley website. Tips for visitors include planning for parking, bringing cash or cards, and bringing picnic rugs or chairs to enjoy the music, food, and lights comfortably.
