Singleton's town centre will turn into festival central across nine nights in May as part of a new autumn festival that is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy through an influx of visitors spending in shops, cafes and businesses.
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Running May 14 to May 22, the Singleton Firelight Festival is expected to draw up to 6000 people to town with the busiest night set to be Saturday, May 21 when the council's popular Firelight event returns.
"If you think you've experienced Firelight before, then think again," Singleton Council's director of organisation and community capacity, Vicki Brereton, said.
"There will truly be something for everyone - from dazzling laser light shows and fire dancing, to live music and of course food trucks and Hunter Valley wine, beer and spirits - it's an action-packed program that showcases Singleton at our creative best.
"Better yet, the event also provides a vital social and economic contribution to our creative industries, hospitality, accommodation and retailers, supporting the entire ecosystem of our visitor economy.
"After having to postpone our annual Australia Day event back in January, Firelight will bring adventure and excitement back to our CBD that we can't wait to feel again, and we cannot wait for everyone to come and experience it."
Ms Brereton said the council was able to turn the 2022 Firelight program into its "biggest and brightest yet" after securing $149,910 under the NSW Government's Regional Events Acceleration Fund.
The state member for the Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, said the funding would help transform the town centre into a series of vibrant installations that "engage and immerse visitors to Singleton in an unforgettable sensory experience".
"The funding will be used for light and interactive activations along the Cook Park footpath, interactive projection and street mapping for the Firelight major event, security, traffic management and pedestrian management," he said.
A series of immersive laser light displays and projections that showcase the story of Singleton will light up Dunolly Bridge and Cook Park between 5.3pm and 8pm each night of the festival.
Called Firewalk, the illuminations tell the stories of the region - the rich horticultural and industrial heritage pus the history of the people and the land. Firewalk also demonstrates vibrant art to complement and promote the newly opened Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre.
Ms Brereton said the festival event was a "must-see" homage to the stories of Singleton.
"Brought to life by world-renowned lighting experts Laservision, Firewalk will be a sensory journey that celebrates Singleton, from our traditional owners to our area's rich agricultural and industrial heritage and vibrant arts scene," she said.
Additionally, on Saturday, May 14 and Thursday, May 19 there will be food trucks serving up street eats as part of Firewalk.
The festival will culminate with Firelight, running in John Street from 6pm-10pm on May 21.
Firelight has been a standalone signature event of the council's since its inception in 2018. It was included in the Singleton Festival program in 2019, was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 and attracted more than 4000 people in 2021.
Ms Brereton said Firelight would include vibrant fire performers and live entertainment including laser and light shows, kid and teenage entertainment, live music and some of the region's best food stalls, food trucks and laneway bars.
Ticketing
Singleton Firelight Festival, which will kickstart the Hunter Valley's Food and Wine Month, is a free event but bookings are required to attend the Firewalk and Firelight.
Book event tickets through www.singletonfirelightfestival.com.au.
Road closures
From 1pm-11pm between May 14-22 the following roads will be closed for the festival:
- John Street between York Street and Pitt Street
- Burns Lane between John Street and the entrance road to the Caltex petrol station off Burns Lane
- The two council car parks to the east of Burns Lane
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
