Illume Festival of Lights - BE ILLUMINATED

20 May 2014

Illume Festival of Lights - BE ILLUMINATED

ILLUME is the name of The Coromandel's newest festival, which will be lighting up Coromandel Town's main street in the next school holidays from 4 - 12 July 2014.

"Illume is New Zealand's only promoted ‘winter light festival’ and will showcase Coromandel Town's heritage and natural environment in a modern, artistic way using a variety of static and interactive light displays," says Brenda Kelsey, from the Illume team.

There will also be a schedule of events throughout the week-long festival including a light parade, concert in the park, hanging lanterns and mass balloon launching.

"The aim of this free, family-friendly festival is to showcase local artists and talent, unite our communities, support economic development and business over winter and promote The Coromandel as a destination where people want to come and live, play and visit," says Karen McMillan, another Illume team member.

Historical buildings of significance (recognised by the Historic Places Trust) along Coromandel Town’s main street are being lit up as a set of artworks to achieve a winter wonderland. The heritage theme will be reinforced with images being projected onto key sites, showcasing the historical record of the town and environs over the years. Some shop spaces will also have back-lit images with local artists' works and information about sponsors.

Outside of the town, historical buildings of significance will be lit and a publication will be printed with a story of these buildings and the town’s history, both Settler and Maori. Visitors will be able to drive, or walk around the wider township outside the town centre and view the wealth of quality heritage buildings we have, this will extend the Illume experience and make the visit more memorable.

Some of the planned activities and entertainment scheduled throughout the week include:

• A fun and interactive “black light” tunnel. With fluorescent face painting this will be an awesome attraction for children and adults alike.
• Driving creek railway night tours. This 15in gauge railway winds through native bush with tunnels and viaducts just 5 minutes out of Coromandel Town. It is also the home of iconic artist Barry Brickell.
• A free street concert.
• Street Performers
• Light Parade
• Tin Lantern display
• Massive projections of images onto the towns buildings
• Creative lighting illuminating the towns heritage buildings.

Illume has been designed by Ed Bucket, a well-known electrical designer with plans to highlight the heritage buildings in an edgy modern way as a backdrop with a schedule of innovated events.

Find out more about ILLUME

ENDS

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