Melburnians, we know it’s getting chilly. But we’re not the type of city to give up on going out just because the weather is less than ideal. Aside from the inconvenient truth that we’d never get anything done if we didn’t venture out into the cold, Melbourne is heating up with a reason to hit the streets this winter.
Firelight Festival is returning to Docklands this winter from June 30 until July 2. NewQuay Promenade, Harbour Esplanade, Victoria Harbour Promenade, Buluk Park and Docklands Central Park will be set alight, literally, with fiery installations from 5pm on each of the three nights. In fact, this year’s iteration will feature more than 40 fire pits and 35 flame jets.
The free festival is a celebration of winter with a focus on family, community, food, music, fire and light. There’ll be African drumming, roving performers to delight the little ones, warming foods and plentiful fire installations.
Keep an eye out for the Messenger, a five-metre high puppet who’ll be roaming Harbour Esplanade each night. Visit Docklands Central Park to be dazzled by an oversized light installation called Trumpet Flowers, or look to the sky above Victoria Harbour to behold a web of lights visible from all three promenades.
There’ll be plenty of food to satisfy the appetite you’ll work up exploring the promenades. Hearty, warming treats including Japanese curries, Filipino barbeque, hot donuts and s’mores will all be on offer, alongside mulled wine for the grownups.
Plan ahead to make the most of your night out in Docklands. You can find more details at the festival website.
