Firelight Festival returns to heat up Docklands

Docklands is set to glow again this winter, with the City of Melbourne’s Firelight Festival returning to Harbour Esplanade for three nights of fire, music, food and after-dark entertainment.

The free annual festival will take over the waterfront from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, bringing more than 130 performers to Docklands, including fire artists, musicians and roving entertainers.

This year’s program will feature fire pits, flame jets, food trucks, silent discos, glow-in-the-dark pickleball and a new large-scale laser and light show designed to transform the harbour into an immersive winter spectacle.

The new installation will combine water fountains, high-impact lasers and synchronised music, spanning almost 90 metres across the harbour.

It will bring together 20 choreographed water fountains and 30 laser projectors across the precinct, with two nightly shows featuring fire performers at 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

The spectacle will also unfold against Development Victoria’s new Echo installation, which features 147 illuminated marine buoys tracing the footprint of the former Central Pier across Victoria Harbour.

For Docklands, Firelight’s return is another major winter boost for local traders, hospitality venues and attractions, with more than 100,000 people expected across the weekend.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the festival was a chance for Melburnians to experience Docklands at its best.

“Firelight Festival is a great excuse to rug up, get out of the house and see Docklands at its best,” Cr Reece said.

“Firelight is Melbourne’s brightest winter event and this year’s program will bring back the fiery favourites, with new after-dark experiences adding even more glow to the program.”

Cr Reece said Docklands was set for “a huge start to the school holidays” with crowds expected across the three nights.

Tourism and Events portfolio head Cr Mark Scott said the festival would help bring people into the precinct during winter.

“Melbourne doesn’t hibernate in winter – with family friendly events like the Firelight Festival bringing people out, supporting local traders, hospitality and businesses while delivering an unforgettable free experience,” Cr Scott said.

“Firelight Festival always brings an energy to the Docklands, and with AFL games, restaurants, bars and local attractions nearby, it’s the perfect excuse to make a day and night of it.”

Festivalgoers will also be able to take part in glow-in-the-dark pickleball at Docklands Community Hub Reserve, with tournaments and free play on offer, while silent discos at MPavilion Docklands will cater to all ages.

Thirty food trucks will serve winter favourites across the weekend, including hot chocolate, s’mores and street food.

Local businesses will also take part through special offers and activities, including Firelight boat and kayak cruises, themed cocktails, live DJs, dining deals, happy hours and accommodation packages.

The festival will run from 5pm to 10.30pm on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, and from 5pm to 10pm on Sunday, July 5.

Firelight Festival will be held along Harbour Esplanade between La Trobe and Collins streets, including Docklands Park and Docklands Community Hub Reserve.