Docklands' After-Dark Arts Festival Firelight Will Return for Three Fire-Filled Nights This Winter

This annual event is firing up for its biggest installation ever, with flaming sculptures, light installations and a giant inflatable mushroom.
Ellen Seah and Libby Curran
Published on June 14, 2023

Docklands is set to light up once again this winter for Firelight Festival, an annual celebration of flame-filled arts. Running from Friday, June 30–Sunday, July 2, the inner-city precinct is free to enter and will see Docklands come alive with a family-friendly, after-dark program of performance, entertainment, culinary delights and fire-inspired art.

This year is set to be Firelight Fest's biggest edition yet, with over 125 talented flame-wielding artists and performers, 40 firepits and drums and 35 flame jets. No, you won't be cold.

The lineup promises plenty of reasons to yank yourself off the couch and into the night, headlined by huge light installations including an interactive sound activation that will transform Docklands' Central Park with supersized, luminescent flowers. Other works set to dazzle crowds nightly include a giant, neon mushroom that will sit atop Victoria Promenade, and a five-metre-tall LED, archangel puppet which will roam along Harbour Esplanade.

More than 125 performers will descend on the precinct across the three-day festival, ranging from musicians and fire-twirlers to circus acts and flaming trumpeters. And with a collection of fire sculptures, flame jets and fire pits, things are sure to be super toasty as you're exploring the festival's offerings.

Of course, appetites are sorted, too, with festival vendors slinging a menu packed with wintry delights. Think, smoked meats, woodfired pizza and roasted marshmallows, washed down with hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Firelight Festival will take over Docklands nightly from Friday, June 30–Sunday, July 2. For the full program, head to the festival's website.

Images: supplied.

Published on June 14, 2023 by Ellen Seah
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