OVER 10,000 ATTRACTED TO DREAM LANTERN EVENT
Over 10,000 people enjoyed the DREAM Lanterns event held at Victoria Park on Saturday, 9 September.
There were 11,749 people recorded on site throughout the total duration of the event, with numbers at a maximum of 8,968 just before the lantern parade at 7pm.
“The pandemic and flooding rains meant the DREAM Lanterns event has been put on pause for the last three years but these figures show just how much our community has missed it,” Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson said.
Stage performances spanned 10 hours and the community had a choice of 75 stall holders to wander amongst during the event.
The majority of entertainment was drawn from the Dubbo Region with locals taking to the stage and performing in front of scores of families. It was wonderful to see. The event has shined a spotlight on the incredible talent we have on offer in our community.
During the event there were roving performers throughout the park, as well as 15 acts on the DREAM stage across the 10-hour event, including Robbie Mortimer and Andy Nelson who finished the night with stellar performances.
This was the first time Dubbo Regional Council staff have delivered the DREAM Festival and this event is a credit to them and all their hard work in the lead up.
“The event allows Council to bring all areas of our community together from our local schools; local entertainment, arts and creative community; to our small businesses, helping to create a sense of place and well-being for our entire community,” Clr Dickerson said.
The Wiradjuri DREAMscape was a popular, new inclusion. The light and sound installation told stories of local Aboriginal history and culture through the voices of local Elders, illuminated images, dance and music.
The highlight of the event was the lantern parade which was led by a giant illuminated peacock and including scores of school children proudly holding their lanterns created under the direction of Jyllie Jackson from LightnUp Inc.
A survey is currently available for those who wish to have their say to help shape the 2024 event. You can take part in the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/28V6WFN
There are still a number of events to be held during the festival this month. Visit www.dreamfest.com.au/events for more details about upcoming events.
Dubbo DREAM Festival is presented by Dubbo Regional Council with the generous support of the NSW Government, Macquarie Credit Union, Charles Sturt University and Simmo Signs.
Last Edited: 15 Sep 2023