Melbourne is starting to feel pretty chilly (I’m told; coming from London, this doesn’t really compare to a European winter), but as the days get shorter, the events get even better. We’re already pretty spoilt with the likes of Lightscape, Winter Night Market, and Puffing Billy’s spectacular Train of Lights, and you can add Firelight Festival to that list, as the Docklands will once again be illuminated with light installations, firepits, and jets of flame. It’ll take place between July 4 – 6, during the winter school holidays, making it an ideal family outing to brighten up a winter’s night. Plus, this year will see a couple of Firelight firsts!
Always a favourite during the colder months, this year’s Firelight Festival is expected to attract 80,000 guests and deliver a $6 million boost to Melbourne’s economy. Those 80,000 will be lured by the promise of a winter wonderland lit by fiery sculptures, cosy firepits, and arches of flames, along with almost 50 fire artists, dancers, musicians, and more. It all adds up to a glorious assault on the senses, and that’s before you factor in the fleet of nearly 40 food trucks, which will outfit guests with everything from s’mores to hot chocolate and warming street food.
As for what’s new this year, there are two key parts making their Firelight Festival debut. The first is a pair of large-scale inflatable sculptures from Tasmanian artist Amanda Parer, making their first appearance in Melbourne. Called ‘Man‘ and ‘Fantastic Planet‘, the enormous, illuminated white inflatables will dwarf guests at the festival, and raise questions of our self-importance and place in the world. Meanwhile, the Light the Night Boat Display is also new for 2025, with boat owners around the Docklands encouraged to dress up their vessels with lights and contribute to the magic. Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite in the Firelight Festival People’s Choice Award.
Excitement is already building for the festival; the city’s Lord Mayor Nick Reece remarked that “Firelight Festival is the blazing hearth of Melbourne’s winter events calendar – the perfect way to spend a night out with friends or family.” Who are we to disagree?