Glebe Park is being transformed into a fairytale-worthy forest this March, complete with other-worldly creature

Posted on 26 February, 2025

As part of Enlighten: Beyond, Glebe Park is being transformed into a mystical forest where magic abounds and a majestic, iridescent creature awaits.

It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before – and something the whole family will enjoy.

Transfiguring the tranquil park into an enchanted woodland for 11 nights, The Nature of Things is a serene, immersive experience where the wonders of nature come to life. And it sounds like something out of the pages of a fairytale.

Featuring unique soundscapes, illuminations, and finely crafted interactive puppet displays by internationally renowned storytellers, Erth Visual and Physical Inc, The Nature of Things is designed to reconnect audiences with the natural world while reminding them of their shared responsibility to protect it.

Starting as the sun sets, each night from Friday 28 February until Monday 10 March, a majestic, iridescent giant named Fauna (who has made the forest home) will invite attendees to meet her friends – endangered creatures in search of a place to call home.

From there the park will come to life in an unforgettable spectacle of light and sound.

“The Nature of Things will entertain and educate audiences about the fascinating natural world around us,” says Scott Wright, Artistic Director of Erth.

“A majestic symbol of nature, three times each night she will invite audiences to join her in awakening the other animals secretly inhabiting the park – a Sumatran pigmy rhino, an elephant and her calf, a Himalayan white tiger, koalas, sharks and more…Audiences are encouraged to raise their voices in an atonal choir to help sing these animals to life.”

But you’ll need to listen closely too.

Along with the interactive performances (which take place over three sessions nightly at 5.30 pm, 7 pm and 8.30 pm), there will also be a ‘tree listening’ experience where you can immerse yourself into unique tree soundscapes recorded in the Sydney Botanic Gardens and locations in the Blue Mountains.

Offering the chance to tap into the secret sounds of the forest, an Indigenous listening experience (which features the voice of Richie Allan, a Ngunnawal and Kamilaroi custodian) and over 30 Canberra Youth Theatre performers will also help bring the magic of The Nature of Things to life.

Operating alongside Enlighten as a part of this year’s Enlighten: Beyond (which has seen the festival stretch its borders and illuminate more of the city), there will also be food and beverage vendors operating in Glebe Park for the event – including Ban Me, Mr Spud, Mr and Mrs Whippy and a BentSpoke pop-up bar. But why let the enchantment end there? You can make it a full night experience in the City Centre with plenty of pre- or post-event dinner and drink options available.

But for those on a budget – or who can’t resist the idea of a picnic in a magical woodland – you can also bring your own food to have a picnic on the lawns in Glebe Park with picnic rugs, lamps and seating provided in the event space.

Designed for all ages and perfect for those looking for a free, fantastical escape during the Enlighten Festival, consider this your chance to step into a fairytale.