The festival is held in Pukekura Park covering 52 hectares in the very heart of New Plymouth. The park is known for its extensive and diverse collection of native and exotic plants as well as its picturesque landscapes which attract thousands of visitors, locals and tourists alike. It has even been awarded the honorary title “Garden of National Significance” by the Government of New Zealand. During the TSB Festival of Lights, Pukekura Park transforms into a beautifully illuminated wonderland.
Colorful lights are used to adorn trees, ferns and other plants growing in one of the country’s premier botanical gardens. Light sculptures and displays are installed along the festival walking route. Even the waterfall is lit up in all colors of the rainbow. Every year, the TSB Festival of Lights in Pukekura Park attracts over 100,000 visitors from all over the country and abroad.
The program of the festival features a mix of daytime and nighttime programs for people of all ages. During the day, there are a lot of family-friendly activities for children and their parents. At night, there are amazing light shows, performances, music concerts and open-air film screenings. Over 45 national and international performers participate in the festival each season, entertaining its guests.
The Festival of Lights in New Plymouth has won several prestigious awards. For example, the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) named it the most outstanding event in New Zealand in 2014. It was also named the Best Established Community Event 2014 by New Zealand Association of Event Professionals (NZAEP) and Premier Cultural Festival and Arts Event 2005 by Creative New Zealand.
Like most other events of its kind, the New Plymouth Festival of Lights is free for everyone to attend. The lights turn on around 8:30 pm and the park closes at 11 pm, so visitors have about two and a half hours to enjoy nighttime events. But, as it has already been mentioned, many events take place during the day.
Photo: festivaloflights.nz
