The Enlighten Festival returns to illuminate Canberra next month with 17 spectacular days of culture and creativity.
The ACT Government has unveiled the exciting line-up of events spanning across 3 to 19 March.
This year, along with the amazing projections on our national attractions, visitors can expect a lively atmosphere with up to four acts on the Enlighten Festival Hub stage every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, and up to two acts each weeknight during Illuminations @ Enlighten Festival, 3-13 March.
The Festival Hub stage will host live entertainment from interstate and local acts including R&B hitmaker Vetta Borne (also performing at Sydney World Pride), First Nations electronic artist Hylander, and Canberra’s own Australian-Samoan R&B artist Kirrah Amosa.
Alongside the stage entertainment, several illuminated installations will brighten festival grounds including a seven-metre-high pair of lungs titled Reflecting Hope, by Clint Hurrell. This large, free-standing sculpture will provide a theatrical illusion of breathing lungs with lights, lasers, and haze for an immersive experience.
Other additions include an inflatable sculptural production inspired by the sea, titled Macrocosm, and a holographic light installation titled Ostensorium. Illuminations will also light up the city; visit the Enlighten Festival website to learn more.
Canberra Day @ Enlighten Festival (13 March)
Come and celebrate Canberra’s 110th anniversary in style with a free live concert showcasing talented local bands, including our very own Canberra trio SAFIA. The band is set to headline the Canberra Day performances at Stage 88 commencing at 12pm on 13 March.
Pride Weekend @ Enlighten Festival (10-12 March)
A celebration of LGBTIQA+ pride with a range of events to celebrate Canberra’s inclusive community, with performances featuring artists from Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community including Transista Groove, local band Nonbinarycode, Lucy Ridge, and our very own Canberra QWIRE.
Wrapping up Pride Weekend on 12 March will be Symphony in the Park @ Enlighten Festival. Bring a picnic and enjoy a free evening of modern and classical performances and watch as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra take the stage to perform with award winning pop, soul and electronica band Electric Fields, fresh from headlining at WorldPride in Sydney.Â
FreshOut! @ Enlighten Festival (11 March)
A one-day, family-friendly event at Glebe Park, featuring Australia’s finest performing artists, a village of market stalls representing our diverse community organisations and local businesses, and a showcase of Canberra’s finest food and wines produced within the region. FreshOut! will feature an energising line-up of acts including ARIA nominated children’s group Tip Toe Giants, Canberra’s four-piece punk rock band Glitoris, and television star and singer/songwriter Ellen Reed.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular @ Enlighten Festival (11-19 March)
See hot air balloons fill the sky with a blaze of colour and movement at the Balloon Spectacular. Watch a special Pride Flight take off on the opening morning, 11 March, and hot air balloons from Australia and overseas with LGBTIQA+ flags.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said this year’s program is a great reflection of our vibrant and evolving city.
“The 2023 Enlighten Festival 2023 embraces our lively, inclusive and vibrant city. I have no doubt that the Enlighten Festival will have an incredible impact on attracting visitation so businesses should prepare for increased visitors to the city,” Mr Barr said.
“The ACT Government will continue to invest in major events, which achieve a strong economic return as well as providing an outstanding visitor experience.”
Entry is free, some events may be ticketed. Visit enlightencanberra.com for the full program. Please note that the program may be subject to change without prior notice.
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