Book in now for your DBCT Illuminate experience

This year’s event will take over the Mackay Bluewater Trail, from Caneland Park to the Forgan Bridge, from next Thursday (July 22) to Saturday (July 24).

Even better, if you need a quick trip back to the City Centre or back to the start of the trail, you can grab a free tuk tuk, sit back and relax.

The popularity of the fourth iteration of this fantastic event is no surprise to Mayor Greg Williamson.

“A rainbow sea of interactive, neon wire sculptures that change shape, a network of ropes waiting to come to life and an interactive music installation await festival goers as they stroll along the trail,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This year’s activation isn’t just spectacular, it’s also far more interactive than previous years,” he said.

“String Symphony is a giant illuminated puppet, hand-woven using more than one kilometre of rope, that is brought to life by festival-goers with help from the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre team.

“Electric Meadow is a geometric garden of giggles, splats, squishes and pops activated by your movements.

“Morphology lets you bend, twist and shape long lengths of neon wire into your own unique designs.

“And between installations we have all the amazing local creations – glowing animals, shadow

puppets, projections and more.”

Mayor Williamson said to avoid overcrowding in these COVID times the Festivals team had implemented a free, ticketed session system.

“There will be three 45-minute sessions each night at 6pm,7pm and 8pm,” he said.

“Each session will have a limited capacity, but we still have plenty of spaces left.

“At the moment, our 6pm sessions are filling up the fastest, so if you wanted to beat the crowds, and have the best chance of grabbing a free tuk tuk, the late sessions will be your best bet.

“Once you book your free ticket, you can enter via any one of the five gates spread between Matsuura Drive and Sydney Street.

“When you arrive at your gate, you can then explore at your leisure, in any direction, for the session.”

Of course, DBCT Illuminate isn’t just about lights and art – it’s a full sensory experience.

“From the Bluewater Big Band to Jonte, Leyon Milner, Dana Falzon and many more – there will be plenty of entertainment for families looking to kick back and enjoy dinner in the park,” Ms Carey said.

“We will have some food vendors set up near the stage, so you can grab a bite at the entertainment hub before you head off on the trail – then maybe stop back for dessert afterwards,” she said.

Book your free session tickets and check out the full DBCT Illuminate map, complete with gate, tuk tuk and installation locations.

Jack Sturgeon Stage Program

Thursday (July 22)

6pm - Dana Falzon

6.40pm - Jack Oliveira

7pm - Leyon Milner

7.40pm - Finding Your Art

8.05pm - Bobeland

8.30pm - Niki Vella-Power

Friday (July 23)

6pm - Mercy College and St

Patrick’s College

7.40pm - Bluewater Big Band

8.10pm - Iain Mckenzie

8.40pm - The Feels

Saturday (July 24)

6pm - Jonte

6.40pm - Tiffany Grace

8pm - Fame Talent School

8.40pm – Ishor (Ish) Gurung