Bega is set to shine brighter than ever with the highly anticipated Bega Streetlight Festival on Friday 24 October promising an unforgettable evening for locals and visitors alike.
This landmark event marks a new chapter for our community, bringing together food, music, art and interactive experiences in a celebration that reflects the spirit and creativity of the Bega Valley.
Bega Chamber of Commerce President, John Watkin said for the first time, Bega's main street will be closed from the War Memorial gates all the way to Mal's Pizza Bite, transforming the thoroughfare into a vibrant pedestrian precinct.
"This historic closure creates the perfect canvas for festivities, inviting everyone to explore, connect and enjoy Bega in a whole new light," he said.
Art takes centre stage with South East Art's photographic exhibition, which will see the top 20 finalists' works displayed in the shopfronts along Carp Street.
South East Arts Executive Director, Kate Bradbury said many of the finalists will be available to talk about their work.
The Sapphire Snappers photographic club will present an interactive display where you can learn more about photography and craft stalls will invite you to discover handmade treasures and chat with local makers.
Spiral Art Gallery will present its FEATHERED exhibition, with 77 artists interpreting the theme of birds and feathers. On the night two artists will create chalk art on the footpaths leading to the gallery.
The festival will become energised with live performances at six different locations, featuring the Bega District Band, the Bega All Age Development Band, the dynamic Fling Physical Theatre and the captivating Japanese Taiko Drummers.
Young buskers will showcase their talent, adding fresh energy to the evening. More acts are being locked in, ensuring surprises and excitement throughout the night.
Food lovers are also in for a treat with 22 mouth-watering food vendors lining the street, offering flavours from near and far.
Communal dining tables beneath twinkling festoon lights invite festival-goers to gather, share stories and savour some of the best bites Bega Valley has to offer.
Whether you're after classic Aussie fare or something more adventurous, there's a plate for every taste.
Prepare to be dazzled as the ANZ Bank wall and Kings Theatre building become canvases for stunning light projections, creating a mesmerising visual experience for all ages.
ANZ Bank wall overlooking Ayers walkway will be lit up with Bioluminescence projections created by Bega High School students.
The outside of the Kings Theatre building will be lit up with interactive projections of movements and colour from participants on the ground, adding extra energy to the festivities.
Eden Game Development will host a gaming area with a racing station, a VR station and a four-player Xbox gaming station, all of which will be projected onto large screens.
The Bega Streetlight Festival promises to be a night of joy, discovery and togetherness.
With more acts and experiences still to be announced, there's no telling what other wonders await.
Gather your friends and family and be part of this remarkable event—Bega will be glowing, and you won't want to miss it.
Save the date – 24 October - spread the word and get ready to celebrate Bega at its brightest!
Bega Streetlight Festival is funded by the NSW Government's Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. Council was successful in receiving $346,143 under the program.
Member for Bega, Michael Holland said "the Bega Streetlight Festival is a fantastic celebration of everything that makes our community so special – our creativity, our culture, our connection. Closing Carp Street to create a vibrant hub of food, art, music and light will bring people together in a way that highlights the true spirit of the Bega Valley.
"I'm delighted to see this event supported through the NSW Government's Open Streets Program and I encourage everyone to come along and experience Bega at its brightest."
For more information on the Open Streets Program, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/openstreets
