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Australia’s biggest winter festival has revealed a jaw-dropping attendance figure after wrapping up for its second year.
More than 1.2 million attendances were recorded at Illuminate Adelaide, the festival that lights up Adelaide’s laneways and landmarks to bring the city to life in the colder months.
RAA General Manager Community and Corporate Affairs Emily Perry said as presenting partner of Illuminate Adelaide, RAA was thrilled with the success of the event now in its second year.
“We’re passionate about supporting events and initiatives that our members and community care about. Festivals like Illuminate are instrumental in bringing our city to life and elevate South Australia and help grow our visitor economy.
“The attendance results this year show how much Illuminate Adelaide has resonated with South Aussies. It is a fantastic showcase for our local artists and innovators as well as some of the best and most exciting installations from around the world.”
Of the more than 40 installations, Light Cycles in the Botanic gardens proved popular for the second year running, with more than 123,000 people experiencing the installation from Canadian studio Moment Factory.
There was also an impressive showing at the Australian premiere of Wisdom of AI Light by Istanbul’s Ouchhh Studio, which attracted more than 40,000 people.
SA Deputy Premier and Acting Minister for Tourism Susan Close MP said the event ticked all the boxes from the State Government’s perspective.
“South Australia has a reputation for putting on world-class arts and cultural events, and this year’s Illuminate Adelaide has further cemented our state’s standing.
“The number of visitors who descended on the city for Illuminate Adelaide has been incredible, helping reinvigorate the CBD and provide an economic boost to hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars across the city.”
Illuminate continues in regional SA this week with satellite event Harbor Lights showing until Sunday in Victor Harbor. Harbor Lights features several immersive installations including Craig Walsh’s Monuments, which was developed in collaboration with Ngarrindjeri Elders.
Banner image: The skink was a highlight of Light Creatures last year. Image: Laura Danesin