Light Up Lyneham returns for its seventh year of community magic

Posted on 29 July, 2025

Seven years ago, the Lyneham Community Association had a simple idea: what if they could turn their local shops and wetlands into a winter celebration that brought neighbours together?

Fast forward to today, and Light Up Lyneham has become one of Canberra’s most anticipated community events – a testament to what happens when local volunteers roll up their sleeves and create something genuinely special.

On Saturday 2 August, this beloved free festival returns to transform Lyneham Shops and the nearby wetlands into a glowing celebration of creativity, connection, and community spirit.

The Star Attraction: Sunset Lantern Walk

The evening’s showstopper begins at 5:30pm, when hundreds of lantern-carrying Canberrans will process through the wetlands in a glowing parade that’s become the event’s signature moment. Leading the procession, the spectacular Canberra Prosperous Mountain Dragon and Lion Dance troupe will weave through the landscape in illuminated costumes, creating a river of vibrant colour against the winter sky.

This isn’t just a pretty walk – it’s a journey to discover the captivating light sculptures that local artists and community groups have installed throughout the wetlands. Artists like Jocelyn Barbic have joined forces with St Joseph’s Primary, 13th Canberra Scouts, and Black Mountain Girl Guides to create installations that transform the natural landscape into what organisers describe as a “luminous wonderland.”

Food from over 40 vendors

With over 40 vendors setting up shop, the festival offers a delicious snapshot of Canberra’s multicultural dining scene. Warm up with mulled wine from Old Canberra Inn, or explore international flavours with Malaysian roti canai, Brazilian barbecue, Filipino cuisine, and Hungarian street food – perfect fuel for an evening of exploration.

Community connections

The community stalls section celebrates local creativity and environmental consciousness in equal measure. The 13th Canberra Scouts will be running hands-on lantern-making workshops, SEE Change will offer practical eco-tips, and local artisans will showcase their handmade treasures. It’s an ideal opportunity to discover unique gifts while supporting the makers and community groups that give Canberra its distinctive character.

For photography enthusiasts, there’s even a free photo competition with a $250 prize for capturing the event’s atmosphere through their lens – another example of how this celebration encourages creativity in all its forms.

Music and more across multiple stages

Light Up Lyneham doesn’t do things by halves when it comes to entertainment. The Main Stage will showcase the energetic beats of St Joseph’s Bucket Drummers, the family-friendly harmonies of Mr Tim Family Choir, and the nostalgic appeal of Andante Andante ABBA tribute choir. Local artists Katie Lee and Blue Angel & Dr Wiedemann round out a lineup that celebrates both emerging and established Canberra talent.

Over at the Street Stage, jazz enthusiasts can enjoy performances by Newbery Brass, John Agnew Band, and Prism Jazz Ensemble, before the evening culminates in a fiery finale by Warehouse Circus that’s guaranteed to warm hearts and hands alike.

Between the main performances, roving entertainers will keep the energy flowing throughout the venue. Magician Conor Leisky will delight families with his tricks, while LED performers, slackliners, and unicyclists add an element of wonder to the evening. The Strange Weather Choir, Light Up Lyneham Singers, and Discobedience will pop up throughout the event, ensuring there’s always something happening around every corner.

Image: Light up Lyneham via Facebook credit Mark Somers