Parading light amid gloom

Claudia Pantani performs against a Melbourne City lights backdrop. 171416_01. Pictures: Greg Carrick.

By Kath Gannaway

Light projections, magical costumes and hundreds of lanterns threw a mantle of light over Yarra Glen as part of the annual Festival of Light on Saturday, 5 August.
More than 1200 people came out in the face of warnings of extreme weather, and were rewarded with the spectacle of a ribbon of lantern light trailing from Anzac Avenue to the main street and light projections that turned the historic little white church into a gallery of colour.
Warburton Makers Group led the parade with illuminated costumes depicting the seasons, and there were performances on the main stage.
Organiser Beth Williams said the festival was about getting communities and families together in winter to have a celebration.
Ms Williams thanked Yarra Ranges Council for their support, along with the many community groups, businesses and individuals who gave their support.
“It’s a festival that is still developing, and each year we try to do something a bit different to reach different groups.
“This year the focus was on the parade, and it was beautiful,” she said.