Docklands takes flame

Thousands of people flocked to Docklands from June 28 to June 30 for the firelight festival weekend – the celebration of the winter solstice where “fire and water do go together”.

The City of Melbourne estimates more than 60,000 people attended the festival’s third year, where giant flame jets, fire performers, flaming cauldrons and an hourly laser-light show transformed Victoria Harbour. Despite inclement weather on June 29, the event proved a huge success and once again showcased the beauty of our waterfront.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Firelight Festival creative director Gill Minervini opened the festival on June 27 with the help of musician and flame artist Blunderbuss Jones.

“More than 800kg of pyrotechnics will be fired from three sites across Docklands each night for the spectacular family fireworks show,” the Lord Mayor said.

“It’s about Docklands and showcasing Docklands. Sometimes we forget that we actually have a city that has a harbour.”

“The festival shows that fire and water do go together.”

Two giant fire sculptures – of a deer and a phoenix – were set on fire on New Quay Promenade and Victoria Esplanade, while giant bonfires lined the streets.

More than 40 performers, including death-defying fire breathers, fire twirlers and fire-eaters, roved through the festival.

Food trucks and the best of Docklands’ restaurants were also highlighted in what was a great weekend for local businesses.

“We know foot traffic during the winter months drops by 15 per cent in the city, which is why we’re creating events which will draw people out of their homes,” the Lord Mayor said.

Docklands Chamber of Commerce president Johanna Maxwell said the festival brought Docklands to life.

“Docklands businesses had the opportunity to shine and showcase their food and hospitality – and showcase they did,” she said. “Numbers of visitors increased and along with the locals everyone had a great time.”

“Numbers on Saturday were still strong, rugged up, taking advantage of the fire pits and enjoying the atmosphere. Congratulations to the team at City of Melbourne who did the creative and end-to-end organisation. This was the third year for this event and it just continues to get better and better.”

“Docklands knows how to stage a party. Looking forward to seeing how we grow the Firelight Festival next year.”