- One of the world's largest illumination events to bring Albany to life during bicentennial commemorations
- Tens of thousands of visitors to attend Lighting the Sound over three weekends
- Major drawcard event supported by the Cook Government, as part of an economic diversification strategy to drive regional tourism and support local jobs and businesses
Albany will come alive in colour and light this month, with the Australian-exclusive Lighting the Sound event officially beginning tonight.
Supported by the Cook Government, through Tourism WA and Lotterywest, the highly anticipated event will illuminate the port city's coastline and iconic landmarks with worldclass artistry and cultural storytelling over nine nights.
Created by worldrenowned Finnish light artist Kari Kola, together with local creative studio FORM Building a State of Creativity, Menang Elders and the Albany community, the breathtaking outdoor installation marks Kola's first Australian work and stands among the world's largest immersive light art projects ever realised.
Lighting the Sound will run across the Great Southern town over three weekends in March, including:
- 13-15 March 2026;
- 20-22 March 2026; and
- 27-29 March 2026.
The event is expected to deliver a major economic boost to the Great Southern region, attracting thousands of visitors from across Australia and driving valuable spending into local accommodation, hospitality and tourism businesses - contributing to the State's broader economic diversification and supporting local jobs and local businesses.
Lighting the Sound is one of three key cultural tourism initiatives helping commemorate the City's bicentenary year- the first to ever be celebrated in Western Australia.
Find out more at albany2026.com.au/events/lightingthesound
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Albany holds a significant place the hearts of many Western Australians, and it's fitting there will be a range of exciting events across 2026 to mark Albany's bicentenary.
"This includes the Lighting the Sound - the first event of its kind in Australia - which is supported by my government.
"My government is committed to diversifying the economy and these celebrations will be fantastic for Albany, bringing visitors from across the State and boosting local business."
As stated by Tourism and Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby:
"Lighting the Sound is shaping up to be an extraordinary experience, and we're expecting tens of thousands of visitors to make their way to Albany over the next three weekends to see it come to life, providing a major boost for local hotels, restaurants and cafes.
"The combination of global artistic talent, deep local cultural collaboration and the stunning natural landscape of the region promises something truly worldclass.
"It's fantastic to see the community gearing up for this major cultural event, with local businesses preparing for a busy and memorable few weeks. This is exactly the kind of initiative that diversifies the local economy and supports local jobs and local businesses in regional Western Australia.
"Supporting events like Lighting the Sound is a key part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to grow regional tourism and showcase the unique stories and landscapes our State has to offer."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This will be an unforgettable event for Albany and visitors to the Great Southern.
"This landmark event shines a spotlight on the region, confirming its status as a truly remarkable place to visit and call home.
"The Cook Government is supporting our regional communities through opening up tourism and job opportunities through hosting unique events and experiences just like Lighting the Sound."
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"Finnish artist Kari Kola is known for large scale light installations across the globe, so it is fantastic for Western Australia to be able to host him here in Albany to create one of the world's largest illumination events.
"Locals and visitors alike will be able to immerse themselves in beams of ever-changing colour after-dark as the city's coastline and iconic landmarks are transformed into a tapestry of light each night for three weekends.
"Public art is a powerful way to share creative expression and create a sense of place, so it will be very exciting to have Kola's latest illuminations shine an international spotlight on Albany."
As stated by Samantha Rowe MLC:
"Lighting the Sound is an event not to be missed.
"Albany and the Great Southern will host thousands of visitors over the three weekends, boosting regional tourism and supporting our local businesses."
