Illuminate festival to return to Shepparton in May

By Max Stainkamph

Apr 4, 2023

Back again: One of the giant robots at Illuminate in 2022. The light and sound show will return in 2023. Photo: Aydin Payne Photo by Aydin Payne

Illuminate festival will return to Shepparton at the start of next month, bringing the shores of Victoria Park Lake to light with colour and music.

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The event, which was held for the first time in March 2022, has been welcomed back by Greater Shepparton City Council on May 4 and 5.

The two-night celebration will feature “mesmerising” lighting displays and experiences, and will feature musicians and audio installations.

Food trucks, mobile performances and a laser light show will also return.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said council was excited to have Illuminate return after a successful debut.

He said the event built Greater Shepparton’s brand as regional Victoria’s abundant, dynamic, cultural capital.

Last year an estimated 20,000 people attended across the weekend, coming from 167 different destinations around Victoria and interstate.

“We look forward to once again delivering a unique event and welcoming back visitors to be part of the art and cultural developments of our region,” Cr Sali said.

“With the event happening over two evenings it also presents an exciting opportunity for visitors to make a weekend of it and share the magic of our region’s diversity, experiences and visitor attractions, providing an important economic boost to our local businesses and visitor economy as we continue our recovery from the impacts of last October’s flood event.”

Illuminate will come to life on Friday, May 5 at 6pm and conclude on Saturday, May 6 at 10pm.

The full program, including the music line-up, will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more details on the festival, head to www.sheppandgv.com.au/illuminate