Media Kit For immediate release 1 February 2018 MEDIA BACKGROUNDER What is the Enlighten Festival? Illuminating Canberra for its eighth year, the Enlighten Festival is transforming Canberra into a hive of activity with an extended program of free and ticketed events and activities in March. Over 16 days, visitors to the festival will eat to their hearts content at the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets and food and drink precinct featuring local street food; see stunning architectural projections and installations, live music and performances, extraordinary events including the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Symphony in the Park, Lights! Canberra! Action! and Hit 104.7 Skyfire; and explore the culture and creativity of Canberra s national attractions, and the vibrancy of the city s art and mind precincts as they open their doors to host an array of exclusive events and surprising experiences. When is the Enlighten Festival 2018? 2-18 March. When is the Enlighten Illuminations (stunning projections & installations)? 2-11 March Where is the Enlighten Festival? Within the Parliamentary Triangle, as well as two new precincts this year the Australian National University (ANU) and Canberra City. Why is the Enlighten Festival bigger and better this year? In 2018, the Enlighten program has been expanded and enhanced there is more to eat, see and explore. Two new precincts to explore the ANU and Canberra city. More delicious food to sample, taste and eat at local street food vendors and at the popular Night Noodle Markets. Enlighten Festival 2018 will incorporate popular Canberra events including the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Lights! Canberra! Action! Symphony in the Park, Hit 104.7 Skyfire and Canberra Day.
An eclectic mix of new roving entertainment, some specially commissioned works and large illuminated and inflated installations. Including Metamorphosis, an installation landscape of giant, glowing, musical cocoons; the grotesque creature from the deep which swallows humans whole, Angler Abyss; and the Canberra premier of the ethereal divers from another place and time in What Lies Beneath? And the illuminated Elaphantessence. There is more to explore as more of Canberra s major attractions host a range of free and ticketed after-dark events. What can you EAT? Feed your appetite for delicious Asian eats at the ever popular Enlighten Night Noodle Markets. Canberra s Reconciliation Place will sizzle with this open-air market of food stalls against the backdrop of the Enlighten building projections in the Parliamentary Triangle. Featuring: What The Pho, Grill d & Spice, Kusina, KorBQ, Hoy Pinoy, Mr Bao, Waffleland, Twistto, Shallot Thai, Donburi Station, Sambal Kampung and Teppanyaki Noodles amongst many more.. 2-11 March. Daily from 5pm weekdays, and 4pm on the weekends. Taste your way around the Parliamentary triangle with the best in Canberra s street food and artisan brew at the Enlighten Food and Drink precinct. 2-11 March during the Enlighten Illuminations. What can you SEE? Canberra in a new light with the stunning Enlighten Illuminations. Over ten nights vibrant, large-scale projections transform some of the capital s most loved and iconic buildings including Australian Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Library of Australia, The Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre. The Parliamentary Triangle becomes a buzzing arts precinct with roving entertainers, art installations, live music and enchanting performances. 2-11 March, Parliamentary Triangle from 8pm. FREE. Canberra s most popular Autumn events: o Canberra Balloon Spectacular rise early to see over 30 balloons from around the world float across the city at dawn. 10-18 March, Old
Parliament House Lawns, from 6.15am. FREE for spectators. Balloon flights are ticketed. o Lights! Canberra! Action! - bring a picnic rug, cushion or chair to enjoy Canberra s very own short film festival. See the top twelve films created to this year s theme of Strange, Beautiful and Unexpected. 9 March, Senate Rose Gardens, 7pm with films from 8pm. FREE. o Symphony in the Park - sit back and relax as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra accompanied by Queen tribute band, Killer Queen Experience, bring the work of Queen to life under the stars. 11 March, Stage 88 Commonwealth Park, 7pm. FREE. o Canberra Day celebrate as Canberra turns 105. Join in the fun with live music, entertainment, rides and tasty food. 12 March, Commonwealth Park, FREE. o Hit 104.7 Skyfire see Canberra light up in a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics and spectacular fireworks set to a soundtrack simultaneously broadcast on Hit 104.7 on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Skyfire returns for its 30 th year and closes the Enlighten Festival for 2018. 17 March, Regatta Point in Commonwealth Park, 6pm with fireworks from 8.30pm. FREE. What can you EXPLORE? Two new precincts the ANU, for walks, talks, film and fireside chat. And Canberra City where you can explore the CBD s exciting nooks, crannies and hidden gems. Exclusive ticketed after-dark events* at some of Canberra s best attractions including: o Twilight on the Savannah experience with a picnic on the lawn to the sounds of a classical string quartet and seeing the animal residents at night at the National Zoo and Aquarium. o Enter the Neon Circus with performers, parades, make-your-own art, dance and giant projections of beautiful artworks at the National Gallery of Australia. o Get groovy at the National Library - a 60s themed festival of sound, colour and activity to celebrate the National Library of Australia s 50 th birthday local music, dance, entertainment food and drinks and the Library s exhibition 1968: Changing Times compliment the 60s themed projections lighting up the building s exterior.
o The Tequila Show exploring the science behind this agave infused spirit, and flashing fairy floss at Questacon The National Science and Technology Centre. o Enlighten your mind with walks, talks, fireside chats, night markets and vibrant projections at the ANU. o Nocturnal Tours, Light & Dark Night Tours and Night Photography Workshops at Australian National Botanic Gardens. o A Masquerade party with a twist, Meet the Geologist Tour, Unexpected Art Tour, and Food, Fun and Fireworks! at Australian Parliament House. o Arboretum at Sunset Tours at the National Arboretum. o Surreal Night tours featuring the works of two accomplished artists with demonstrations, installations and make-your-own experiences at Canberra Glassworks. o Lights on Luminesscence chamber singers performance and latenight openings at the National Portrait Gallery. o Under the Big Top MoAD Spectacular unique encounter with the strange and unexpected in King s Hall at the Museum of Australian Democracy. o Mint Master Class with coin modelling and sculpting experiences at the Royal Australian Mint. *For more information on the Enlighten Festival ticketed events at major attractions including more details, dates and ticket prices, visit www.enlightencanberra.com Key dates at a glance: Enlighten Festival 2018 2 18 March Enlighten Illuminations, Parliamentary Triangle 2 11 March Canberra City Precinct 2-18 March ANU Precinct 8-10 March & 15-16 March Enlighten Night Noodle Markets 2 11 March Lights! Canberra! Action! 9 March Canberra Balloon Spectacular 10-18 March Symphony in the Park 11 March Canberra Day 12 March Hit 104.7 Skyfire 17 March Enlighten after-dark ticketed events at major attractions - see website for details.
Enlighten 2018 Sponsors: Enlighten 2018 is proudly presented by Singapore Airlines. Major Partners: Energy Partner: ACTEWAGL Canberra Centre Precinct Partners: National Capital Authority Australian National University City Renewal Authority Supporting Partners: Official Accommodation Provider: Capital Hotel Group Tickets available now: A number of Enlighten 2018 events are free and do not require a ticket to gain entry. Tickets for all Enlighten paid experiences are available now via Ticketek www.ticketek.com or call 13 28 49. More information: www.enlightencanberra.com #enlightencanberra
SHORT FORM/DIARY DATE Enlighten Festival 2018 Illuminating Canberra for its eighth year, Enlighten Festival proudly presented by Singapore Airlines, is transforming Canberra into a hive of activity with an extended program of free and ticketed events and activities plus two new and exciting events precincts Canberra city and the Australian National University (ANU). Over 16 days in March, visitors to the Enlighten festival will see stunning large-scale architectural projections and installations transform some of the capital s most loved and iconic buildings including Australian Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon, as the Parliamentary Triangle becomes a vibrant canvas showcasing Australian talent buzzing arts precinct with roving entertainers, art installations, live music and enchanting performances. The ANU campus will come to life over five thrilling nights with vibrant projections, fire-side chats and a special Saturday night market; and you can explore all the city has to offer after nightfall. See the fairy lights, and find hidden gems in the city s nooks and crannies. Keep your eye out for interactive installations, workshops and other unexpected surprises. Eat at the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets and food and drink precinct featuring local street food. Enjoy Canberra s best autumn events including the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Symphony in the Park, Lights! Canberra! Action! Canberra Day and Skyfire. And explore the culture and creativity of Canberra s national attractions, and the vibrancy of the city s art and mind precincts as they open their doors to host an array of exclusive after-dark events and surprising experiences. Canberra! Action! Canberra Day and Hit 104.7 Skyfire. When: 2-18 March Where: Parliamentary Triangle, various major attractions, City CBD and ANU. Entry price: Enlighten Illuminations and most major events are FREE. For exclusive after-dark ticketed events at the major attractions, see website for details.
Tickets: Tickets for all Enlighten paid experiences are available now via Ticketek www.ticketek.com or call 13 28 49. More info: www.enlightencanberra.com Getting to Canberra: www.visitcanberra.com.au POSSIBLE STORY ANGLES & IDEAS Enlighten version 8.0 what s new for Enlighten 2018 is bigger and better, an expanded program and two new precincts. Creating Illuminations how does Electric Canvas illuminate Canberra s attractions for Enlighten? The designs, works in process, timeline. Enlighten your friends and family about Canberra the festival is another reason to invite friends and family to visit during autumn one good thing after another. Instagram scramble Why Enlighten is an Instagrammer s heaven. Forget Sydney, come to Canberra Enlighten vs Vivid. Enlighten is on in a warmer time of year and you won t fight those Sydney crowds, transport issues, food selling out etc. Major attractions celebrate major birthdays/milestones e.g. The National Library of Australia celebrates 50 years during Enlighten when they open for special after dark activities. Mums gone wild - hit Canberra for your girls weekend away without the kids. Foodie s frivolity a night out at the Night Noodle Markets, a food trucker s life, street food heaven, what does it take to make 1000 serves of noodles happen? Fabulous Local Food local street food, local food suppliers. New Noodle News - new and emerging food offerings from this renown food precinct. Enlighten, King of the Kids dedicated kids zone with glow in the dark face painting, lantern making. Neon Caves outreach program for 8-10 year olds. Top 3 by design why Canberra deserves its title as Lonely Planet s third best city in the world to visit in 2018. How long is too long? If you haven t visited Canberra since school, it s time to enlighten yourself about Canberra in 2018. Get switched on in Canberra - come for Enlighten Switch on, switch on your mind at ANU enlighten minds, switch on your senses at Night Noodle
Markets, switch on your sense of adventure at Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Canberra, wherefore art thou inside the mind of Enlighten s Creative talent; the artists, the creators metamorphosis cocoon installation (local Canberra artist) angler abyss. Music for the millennials hot line up of musicians take to the stage during Enlighten including Betty Alto, Nick Hill, Exhibitionist, Ric Rufio, Teischa, Electric Fields and Hot Potato. Dead or alive? challenging perceptions that Canberra is dead after dark. Enlighten shows it s very much alive after the sun sets. Family Fun road tripping to Canberra with the kids Canberra Balloon Spectacular and Skyfire, twilight on the Savannah at the Zoo, flashing fairy floss at Questacon. Fast Facts how to get there, parking and getting around (park, walk or train), inclement weather, cash free, what to bring, alcohol free areas, road closures etc. What s on/diary date - Autumn events in Canberra
IMAGES NOTE: These are limited sample low res images only below. For the full range and high res versions, go to www.enlightencanberra.com/media-centre/ If you have something specific in mind, email lauren.griffiths@threesides.com.au Press Images https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0b23xgzssttngajfvr0dzc01zmmm Title/Caption Parliament House, Old Parliament House and Reconciliation Place during Enlighten Illuminations. Image National Library of Australia during Enlighten Illuminations.
Old Parliament House during Enlighten Illuminations. Parliament House during Enlighten Illuminations What Lies Beneath Roving artist
INTERVIEWS Interviews may be arranged with the following Enlighten spokespeople, subject to requests, timing and availability: ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr. Enlighten Festival Executive Producer, Vickii Cotter. Precinct Partners: Australian National University, Penelope Cox, City Renewal Authority, CEO Malcolm Snow Events ACT Director, Jo Verden. VisitCanberra Group Marketing Manager, Katherine Fraser. Artists and performers from the Enlighten program. MEDIA CONTACT For more information go to: www.enlightencanberra.com Dedicated media page: www.enlightencanberra.com/media-centre/ For more information, images, and interviews or to discuss a possible visit to Canberra for Enlighten 2018, please contact: Lauren Griffiths Threesides Marketing E: lauren.griffiths@threesides.com.au P: 0417 409 264