Back for its second big year, this after-dark light festival in Melbourne’s north is coaxing you out of the house with dance music, light projections, interactive art, fiery performances, mulled wine and delicious food.
On Saturday June 17 from 4pm, the famous Town Hall Broadmeadows precinct will be bathed in colour, while inside and out a festival of grand proportions takes place under the banner of the Hume Winter Lights Festival.
The free, one-night-only festival will go big with a line-up led by international superstar Havana Brown and electronic DJs the Potbelleez – alongside local favourites including Melbourne native pop singer Ashwarya, afro-R&B artist Ceeko, didgeridoo virtuoso Ganga Giri, and the Indigenous Outreach Projects Hip Hop Crew. Dance the night away to these rising stars before the headline acts rouse the crowd.
Wander around a visual feast of neon art sculptures, light projections, a giant snow globe and art by renowned Australian and Hume local visual artists and community groups. Meanwhile, roving mime artists will keep you enthralled as fire performers, animals and magicians light up the night.
Embrace the wonders of winter with ice skating then warm up inside the Town Hall Gallery with African drumming workshops, glow-in-the-dark face painting and snow-making sessions. Melbourne-based artist Beci Orpin is bringing the wonders of light and colour to life with an interactive Play!Spectrum art exhibition featuring hands-on activities for children and families.
You can also beat the winter chill with mulled wine by local winery Marnong Estate or enjoy Australian-inspired cocktails and mocktails and locally brewed beers. All your favourite festival foods will be there too including 14-hour slow-smoked brisket burgers by the Smoking’ Barrel, Turkish gozleme by Ali’s Gozleme, Spanish paella by the Melbourne Paella Company and twisted potatoes on a stick by Curly Spuds. When the sweet cravings kick in, you can re-energise with churros, cheesecake, waffles, crêpes and hot chocolate.
The night will be topped off with a shimmering fireworks display, but it doesn't have to end there. Make a weekend out of it and stay and play in Hume. Within a 30-minute drive north of Melbourne CBD, Hume City is the perfect getaway destination including great wineries, attractions, eateries, markets and state parks the next day. Start planning your mini Winter vacay.