October set to be ‘lit’ thanks to postponed event

The Mackay Festival of Arts team has worked tirelessly to bring all of the immense displays back to Queens Park from October 5 to 8.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the MECC and Festivals teams had done a tremendous job bringing the event back together.

“Daly Bay Illuminate features sprawling works by community artists and three big third-party displays that all needed to be available to come to our region at the same time – plus we needed a time when we could have the MECC available, so we could have a wet-weather backup,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Hats off to the team – this is going to be a fantastic event combining local, community-created artworks, the lighting magic of our MECC technicians and large-scale travelling installations,” he said.

Entry to this all-ages, illuminated wonderland will still be free.

The event will run from 6pm to 9pm each night and will feature the Lost Dogs’ Disco by ENESS as its major drawcard.

“This is an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to five-and-a-half metres tall,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There are four distinct characters, inspired by three dog breeds – poodles, bull terriers and dachshunds – that are curled-up, standing and even touching noses,’’ he said.

“As visitors journey through the colourful pack, the dogs’ coats light up and they greet passers-by with happy grunts to celebrate each new person’s arrival.”

For more information and further updates, follow Mackay Festivals on Facebook.

This event has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Festivals Australia Program.