*Tonight I, along with other members of Human Brochure and the media, was treated to a preview of Floriade’s Nightfest, which begins tomorrow (Wednesday) night and runs until Sunday, 28 September.
It’s hard to put the experience into words – and the photos don’t really do it justice. Here goes:
For those who are wondering – yep, the tulips are out!
We’re first greeted with seas of tulips bathed in changing colours. It’s hard to tell what colour they actually are!
I said sea, right? I meant it.
The flowers are stunning, but Nightfest wouldn’t be Nightfest without doing something pretty damn special. And that’s this.
It’s Alice in Wonderland-esque. Stunning flowers light up in time to the music as we walk through thick fog – genuinely mesmerising. Each enormous flower is slightly different, and the colour show is so varied – after standing there 15 minutes I can’t spot any repetition. Very special.
The attention to detail actually reminds me of Skywhale
Gorgeous!
We’re not to wander off, but I almost have to be dragged out of this stunning forest. Fortunately, the most beautiful flowers are just outside and their presence is enough to tempt me out.
Towards the lake there are these – lotus flowers? – reflecting wonderfully
Not many things can claim to look as good at night as they do during the day – particularly after a long day at work 🙂
And then there’s entertainment, including some juggling – lit up, of course – but I’m fascinated by these enormous orbs. Yes, they change colour. Yes, I took a thousand photos of all the different colours. You’ll have to see them all for yourself.
Then there’s the piece de resistance – another bed of flowers, surrounded by life-size neon humans, set against a background of the bright ferris wheel.
Canberra’s best photographer (in my opinion) Martin Ollman always goes the extra mile to get the best shots
Good night, Nightfest
In addition to the lights, there’s plenty of stuff for kids and big kids, including comedians and cooking demonstrations. And Philip Jones from The Martini Whisperer is doing Shaken not Stirred. You can check out the program for each night here.
But in all honesty? That Alice in Wonderland-like walk is worth it alone.
(Oh, and there’s free wifi!)
Date: Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Where: Regatta Point, off Commonwealth Avenue
Cost: This was a preview event courtesy of Visit Canberra
Worthwhile factor: Highly worthwhile
Want more? Get tickets here.
In The Taratory 
It looks fantastic, I can’t wait to see it !
Fantastic photos Tara, really stunning.
I’m gutted I didn’t get the chance to go this year. Looks gorgeous!
It was really special 😀 Next yeah eh? 🙂
Thanks for this – really neat. I made it to Nightfest twice this year – once with family and once with cameras. Photos coming up on the blog soon(ish).
Can’t wait to see them!