Six Light Displays You Definitely Don’t Want to Miss at Illuminate Adelaide

Paris may hold the permanent position of The City of Lights, but, this month the mantle belongs to South Australia. With the annual winter festival that is Illuminate Adelaide bringing world-class digital installations that showcase the creativity of combining art, light, music, and technology to the City of Churches. Whether you’re already SA-side, seeking some inspiration for a weekend staycation, or simply keen to explore the magic of the female mastermind behind it all, here are the six best events at Illuminate Adelaide. Although there are many more that you won’t want to miss!

Fire Gardens

Tailored specifically for the magnificent Adelaide Botanic Garden, this exhibition of French fire alchemists Compagnie Carabosse is their largest to date. And, maybe their most awe-inspiring work yet. Designed exclusively for Adelaide (and the first time ever during an Australian winter), it features the flames of more than 7,000 handcrafted fire pots, smouldering candlelit archways, captivating kinetic sculptures, leaping flames and live music performances. To transform Adelaide Botanic Garden into a bewitching nighttime wonderland. One that defies the laws of OHS to deliver an enchanting experience in Adelaide’s most famous parklands. 

Eden

The charming nature (and impressive mustache!) of host Daniel might almost convince you that he is the main event. However, if you are headed to Adelaide’s Centre of Immersive Light and Art (ILA) during Illuminate, be sure to set aside some time to check out the work of acclaimed Berlin design studio flora&faunavisions. Who has created a breathtaking immersive journey through EDEN –  a magnificently imagined interactive digital wonderland where art and nature spectacularly collide. Known for their daring and immersive spectacles, flora&faunavisions SA-bound delivers a visual paradise of unparalleled beauty across the 150sqm of LED screens spanning the walls within ILA’s Light Room. Throughout the experience, visitors are presented with playful opportunities to interact with the vivid colours of their lush, floral-filled surroundings by nurturing a digital garden of their own with the help of cutting-edge technologies.

Grand Mix by Inook

2024 has seen some crazy events. But, we weren’t prepared spot the subjects of some serious Renaissance art singing “Give me a home among the gum trees …” on the list! However, that’s exactly what’s on offer at Grand Mix by French immersive artists INOOK – part of Illuminate’s City Lights display. A partnership with the Art Gallery of  South Australia, this display utilises AI to broadcast iconic artworks from the AGSA’s upcoming “Reimagining the Renaissance” exhibition. Meaning those wandering down the CBD’s North Terrace can expect to spot historical characters belting out modern pop hits and classic Aussie anthems. Talking head style.

Spectrum of Happiness by 27 June Studio

Who decided that you had to be under six to enjoy playing swings? Certainly not 27 June Studio. The Thai-based design brand has created a series of interactive swings for little and larger kids alike. Take a seat and allow your movements to activate the LED tubes and balls attached to each swing.  And create a beaming rainbow, as a result.

Please have a seat By Bernd Spiecker

Given the number of steps you’ll clock exploring Illuminate, it’s unsurprising that you’ll probably seek out a spot to put up your feet! Fortunately, Please Have a Seat (by German-based light art studio lichtbankobjekte by M+V) is here to help. A fusion of fluoro-hues and and furnishings designed to offer a fresh perspective on public seating, this illuminated exhibition will turn ordinary park benches across the city into artistic statements with acrylic glass cushions and LED lighting. And, bring new meaning to the concept of feeling light on your feet! 

Base Camp

Not a trekker? Not a problem! Illuminate Adelaide’s Base Camp is less about hikes, more about bites, vibe and bright lights. With the popular after-dark bar and eatery village, beckoning festival-goers to its new location in Lot Fourteen’s lively laneways. Open nightly and free to enter, this year’s Base Camp is teaming with delights. Including top food vendors, divine drinks from local distilleries and breweries, live music. Plus, an interactive light show by Adelaide visual artist Miles Dunne. Accessible and family-friendly, Base Camp Bar is open every evening from 5pm.

To find the full program for Illuminate Adelaide, including its free and ticketed events, visit www.illuminateadelaide.com