The two-day festival hosted a glowing line-up of music including artists from Shepparton and Goulburn Valley such as Madi Coville Walker and Deans of Soul, G-Funk Band from Melbourne, and multi-award winning blues band Soul Reign, with supporting acts by Mama Mariachi, Fruity Pickers and Pit Crew.
The festival hosted more than 25 vendors along with mesmerising light experiences across the shores of Victoria Park Lake which saw approximately 10,000 people attend on Friday night and a similar figure on Saturday. Despite the interruption of rain on Saturday night, it was great to see the crowds return in droves once the rain had passed.
Illuminate was an immersive celebration with a stunning laser light show running across both evenings, featuring captivating art installations and experiences such as “What’s that in the water?” an immersive walkthrough installation by local artists Mimi Leung and Tammy-Lee Atkinson, a 27m long fully illuminated skink (lizard), a Dream Walk displaying many animals, kids creation area, and vibrant roving entertainment.
Proudly presented and funded by Greater Shepparton City Council, Shepparton and Goulburn Valley and the Victorian Government, Illuminate was an acknowledgment to the region’s creativity, innovation and perseverance over the past years.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said the festival was a shining success.
“It was fantastic to have the festival take place in Shepparton for the second year in a row. The festival was another show stopping event which put a spotlight on our region’s creativity,” he said.
“Thank you to the estimated almost 20,000 people who attended the event across the weekend coming from right around Victoria and interstate helping boost our local visitor economy, celebrating and being part of the art and cultural developments of our region.”
If you attended Illuminate, Council would love to know how your experience was. Please fill out the post event survey
For more of what to expect in our region go to sheppandgv.com.au for the latest event details.