Wander Ballarat’s laneways and discover a another side to this creative city

Visitors and residents will have the chance to explore the city’s laneways at McKenzie Street, Hop Lane, Police Lane and Alfred Deakin Place as part of this year’s winter festivities.

Artwork, illumination, music and snow will make the perfect Instagram background for those who wish to discover Ballarat’s creative side.

Preparation for the fourth annual Laneway Lumieres – featuring illumination and music installations at Police Land and Alfred Deakin - is well underway, with less than 10 days until the first installation is switched on.

This year’s installation features a homegrown collection of work from seven local artists, three musicians and sound and light engineers.

Each night from 30 June, between dusk and midnight, Laneway Lumieres will showcase an explosive expression of Ballarat’s status as a creative city – with the highlight being the Ballarat DubStep synchronous immersive music and illumination show.

As part of this show, illuminations and lights will flash to live music every hour on the hour.

Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh said the Laneway Lumieres and other laneway activations across the city showcased the city’s diverse creative industries.

“There were so many beautiful elements of our city – such as laneways like these - which were once considered undiscovered and underutilised, now it’s wonderful to see these places brought to life and being explored by many,” she said.

“What’s even more exciting is the fact images of our reimagined laneways and public spaces are now so prominent across social media platforms like Instagram, marketing our city and its unique assets to the world.

“I encourage you to get out this Ballarat Winter Festival and to discover the charm and uncover the character of our laneways, they’re set to inspire your imagination.”

Hop Lane will also be brought to life through a white umbrella installation, lights and snow fall from 4pm every Wednesday as part of Hop Temple’s Christmas in July celebration.

Visitors can also strike a pose among the street art coloured walls of McKenzie Street through the 2018 Ballarat Winter Festival.

For more information about the laneway installations, or about the series of Ballarat Winter Festival activities and events, visit: ballaratwinterfestival.com.au