Firelight shines despite promenade closure

Docklands has again enjoyed one of its biggest weekends of the year, with the City of Melbourne’s annual Firelight Festival drawing around 100,000 people to the waterfront despite long-term closures along Victoria Harbour Promenade.

Held from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, this year’s festival was largely centred around Harbour Esplanade and extended towards Docklands Park, after sections of Victoria Harbour Promenade remained closed to the public due to ongoing safety concerns.

While the closure changed the way crowds moved through the precinct, it did little to dampen the atmosphere, with fire installations, live entertainment, roving performers and winter food offerings bringing strong numbers into Docklands across all three nights.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said Firelight remained a major drawcard for the precinct and a crucial event for local businesses.

“Firelight is the biggest weekend of the year for many Docklands traders – with 100,000 people visiting the waterfront this year to enjoy fiery installations, live entertainment and winter treats from local businesses,” Cr Reece said.

“We’re home to Australia’s fastest-growing night-time economy, and events like Firelight are a huge part of the reason why. They bring people into the city, give local businesses a boost, and showcase Melbourne at its best.”

More than 130 performers took part in this year’s program, which featured fire shows, live music, roving entertainment and several new attractions.

Among the program debuts were glow-in-the-dark pickleball, performances by Circus Oz, a special feature fire show on Harbour Esplanade, and a 90-metre laser and light show across Victoria Harbour featuring 20 choreographed water fountains and 30 laser projections.

Development Victoria also presented Echo, its illuminated on-water artwork on the footprint of the former Central Pier.

Cr Reece said he attended the festival on the Friday night and praised the atmosphere.

“I was at the festival on the Friday night and had the best night out,” he said.

Tourism and Events portfolio head Cr Mark Scott said the event showed Melbourne’s ability to draw crowds year-round.

“Firelight Festival is proof that Melbourne shines in every season,” Cr Scott said.

“Even in the middle of winter, people fill our streets, back local businesses and demonstrate why Melbourne is our nation’s capital of events.”

With Victoria Harbour Promenade unavailable, Harbour Esplanade carried much of the festival energy this year, reinforcing its role as the precinct’s key civic spine and event space. •