- Albany to host Australian-exclusive Lighting the Sound illumination event in 2026
- Event expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Great Southern region
- Part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to generate valuable tourism dollars for local business
Albany will be lit up in colour and light next year when it hosts the Australian-exclusive Lighting the Sound event, which will illuminate the port city over nine nights.
The event is set to transform Albany's natural coastline and landmarks into an immersive light experience over three weekends in March, including:
- 13-15 March 2026;
- 20-22 March 2026; and
- 27-29 March 2026.
The event is world-renowned Finnish light artist Kari Kola's first-ever Australian art installation and is expected to be one of the largest installations to ever to be constructed.
Lighting the Soundis expected to bring thousands of visitors to the Great Southern and showcase its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural environment on a national and global stage.
The event is an example of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to inject millions of dollars in visitor spend into the State, supporting local jobs, providing a boost for tourism and hospitality businesses, and add vibrancy to Albany during the important bicentenary year - the first ever celebrated in Western Australia.
The spectacular outdoor light show will be produced and delivered by local WA creative agency FORM Building a State of Creativity, in collaboration with artist Kari Kola, as well as Albany's Traditional Custodians, the Menang Elders, and the Albany community.
Supported by the WA Government through Tourism WA, this cultural tourism initiative will form part of the City of Albany's 2026 Major Event Program in commemoration of the city's bicentenary.
Find out more at albany2026.com.au/flagship/lightingthesound
As stated by Tourism and Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby:
"All eyes will be on Albany in March as its natural coastline and landmarks are lit up in colour and light in this major event.
"With its blend of local and global creative talent plus deep cultural roots, Lighting the Sound will elevate Albany's standing as a tourism destination.
"The bicentenary year is an historic celebration for Albany and this illumination show over the port city is a deserving event for the occasion.
"I'm so excited about Lighting the Sound, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to the region, delivering flow-on benefits to accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, and tourism operators throughout the region.
"Our goal is to increase the volume of events supported in regional communities to create more jobs, attract visitors to the regions, and this event ticks all the boxes."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Albany's natural beauty will take centre stage thanks to this incredible Lighting the Sound event.
"With this spectacular event set to attract tens of thousands of people to the Great Southern, it will prove a win for local tourism providers, businesses and the region's remarkable wine region.
"This is another example of how the Cook Government is working to esure our regions remain vibrant and attractive places to visit and call home."
