Illuminate Wollondilly has welcomed residents for another year of music, food, light shows and a fireworks display.
The annual event in the Wollondilly Shire area, runs for three days in Picton’s Botanical Gardens and CBD during a weekend in September.
Wollondilly Shire Council’s Community Projects and Events Team Leader Rob Moran said the annual event was a way to bring more tourism into the area.
“We had a working group which was an Arts and Culture working group, which I chaired that group,” Mr Moran said.
“We identified a potential event where we could light up some buildings here in Picton and maybe draw in some visitation over the winter months, and Illuminate blossomed from there.”
The event started in 2015 and is now in its ninth year, attracting an average of 25,000 visitors a year to the area.
Mr Moran said the event was important to showcase the region’s artistic talent.
“As council’s largest event, it really focuses on the arts sector, so it is our blue ribbon event,” Mr Moran said.
“It highlights our local arts population, so artisans, and artists, and creatives, so it’s very important in that aspect.
“It’s also very important in drawing in visitation to our region, and it’s not just visitation for the day, but it affects repeat visitation, so people often return because they get a taste for the area and see what’s occurring.”
Video: Wollondilly Shire
In 2023, the Illuminate Wollondilly festival operated with a budget of $210,000, funded by council contribution (50 per cent), corporate sponsorship (33 per cent), market stall income (7 per cent ), the long table dinner (6 per cent) and carnival outcome (2 per cent).
Wollondilly Shire Council’s Manager of Community Services Michelle Sheehan said the event is more than a night out.
“Illuminate isn’t just about entertainment, it’s a platform that highlights local stories, traditions, arts and the vibrant history of Wollondilly through lighting displays, workshops, markets and more,” Ms Sheehan said.
“The stage and entertainment line-up, combined with the art and cultural displays, provides an excellent platform for showcasing the diversity of our region and creating opportunities for festival attendees to connect with local talent and businesses.”
Ms Sheehan said there has been a lot of success with the event in recent years.
“Through engaging activities and a shared sense of celebration, Illuminate fosters a strong sense of community and pride among resident,” Ms Sheehan said.
“The diverse range of events ensures there’s something for everyone, encouraging participation from different parts of the community.
“Events like these bring neighbours, friends, and families together to gather and celebrate.”
Mr Moran echoed this sentiment and said they wish to continue the success of Illuminate Wollondilly for years to come.
“We’ve got the commitment of Council to continue the event, so it’s an annual event now,” Mr Moran said.
“I have a small budget line which I’m trying to increase every year, but yeah, there’s a commitment there to continue it.”
Illuminate Wollondilly contains live music, light displays, performance shows and a fireworks show.
