Minister Barr: Enlighten flicks the switch on 2016 program
- Written by ACT Government
Released 04/03/2016
Last night I previewed the stunning architectural projections that will light up six of Canberra’s most iconic institutions as part of Enlighten 2016.
The Enlighten Festival is an ACT Government initiative that is fast becoming one of the most popular events in the nation’s capital, with record numbers attending the 2015 event.
Australian Parliament House, National Portrait Gallery, National Library of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy, National Gallery of Australia and Questacon will be illuminated after dark for the next nine nights as Enlighten 2016 promises to excite, surprise and thrill locals and visitors.
Illuminating Canberra for its sixth year, Enlighten will transform the Parliamentary Triangle into a hive of activity with free live entertainment, a range of free and ticketed events and the anticipated return of the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets.
For the second time, the ACT Government has partnered with Fairfax Events, through the Special Event Fund, to deliver the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets. Since the Special Event Fund opened in 2011, $3.74 million in funding has been approved, supporting ten completed events, attracting in excess of 1.61 million attendees and delivering approximately $328 million in economic return to the ACT.
The markets will open tonight from 5pm, and run each night until Sunday 13 March.
As the event expands across the city this year, there will also be activations at the National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra Glassworks, National Archives of Australia, Australian Botanic Gardens and the Royal Australian Mint.
With close to 300,000 local and interstate visitors last year, I am confident that Enlighten 2016 will again grow its audience, underlining Canberra’s push to become the world’s ‘coolest little capital’.
I encourage all Canberrans to stay up late for Enlighten 2016 - it’s the perfect time to explore our city’s brilliant possibilities.
Enlighten opens to the public tonight and will run from March 4 – 13, with the main nights of entertainment on Friday 4 March, Saturday 5 March, Friday 11 March and Saturday 12 March.
For more information or to view the Enlighten program, visit enlightencanberra.com.au.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
