Released 10/02/2023
The Enlighten Festival is back to illuminate Canberra with 17 spectacular days of culture and creativity and this year, unveiling an exciting line-up of events from 3 to 19 March 2023.
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 engaging stage entertainment, several illuminated installations will brighten festival grounds including a seven-metre-high pair of lungs named 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 named Macrocosm and Ostensorium, a holographic light installation. 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. First formed in Canberra in 2012, the band has gained enormous public attention with several popular hits. SAFIA will headline the Canberra Day performances at Stage 88 with the event commencing at 12pm.
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.
FreshOut! @ Enlighten Festival (11 March) is 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! is sure to be the highlight of the weekend, featuring an energising line-up of acts including ARIA nominated children's group Tip Toe Giants, Canberra’s four-piece punk rock band Glitorisand Television superstar and gifted singer/songwriter Ellen Reed.
See balloons fill the sky with a blaze of colour and movement when the Canberra Balloon Spectacular @ Enlighten Festival returns (11- 19 March). 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 stellar 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.
“The ACT Government will continue to invest in major events, which achieve a strong economic return as well as providing an outstanding visitor experience," said the Chief Minister.
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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Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases