Celebrating the magic of light

CAMPERDOWN’S third annual Light Up Camperdown festival saw strong crowds last Friday, with many taking to the street for local performances and picnics in the avenue.

Children enjoyed the opportunity to parade their hand-made lanterns along Little Manifold Street as part of last Friday’s Light Up Camperdown festivities.

Close to 500 people gathered under the elms in Manifold Street for the event, which saw live music, roving performances and light displays fill the town.

Corangamite Shire Council events and creative industries team leader Tammy Young said the festival proved a “fantastic” start to the festive season.

“The evening began with a screening of Polar Express at the Theatre Royal and then over to the clocktower for the Amplify youth stage,” she said.

“This was followed by a warm welcome from."

Mayor councillor Kate Makin before the crowd was treated to live music from talented local performers, including the Community Choir and Tuniversal.

“The community then danced and sang along to the Bethany Christmas Bonanza.

“Adding to the magic were roving stilt-walker Green Woman by WildHoney and juggler and fire performer Rich Royale, delighting audiences throughout the night.

“Local businesses were kept busy right up until 8:30pm, and the Christmas spirit was well and truly alive – Santa set up at Benallack’s, creating memorable family photo moments.”

The evening concluded with the lantern parade, a closing speech delivered by Corangamite Shire deputy mayor councillor Laurie Hickey and the lighting up of the clocktower and elm trees.