All your favourite attractions from previous Light Up Lyneham events, and now with more of what you like. More food, more installations, more music, more toilets! And new activities to come and try. Grab your gloves and coat, bring your neighbours and friends, and enjoy the Lantern Walk, extraordinary performances, wonderful stalls, illuminated wetlands displays, and fantastic community spirit.
Saturday 1 August 2026 3pm to 8pm
Light up Lyneham is an enchanting community event that illuminates Lyneham Shops and Wetlands with a dazzling display of lights, colour, and joy. Residents and visitors gather to witness the transformation of the Lyneham Wetlands into a magical wonderland. Vibrant installations, shimmering lanterns, and captivating projections adorn the route of the Lantern Walk, creating a sense of wonder and unity. The event showcases the artistic talents of local residents and celebrates the spirit of togetherness. From illuminated sculptures to interactive light shows, Light up Lyneham offers a memorable experience for all ages, bringing warmth and cheer to the heart of the community.
Community performers and stallholders are the heart and soul of any vibrant event, injecting energy and showcasing the unique talents of local residents. These individuals bring a sense of authenticity and connection to the community, captivating audiences with their performances and offerings. From musicians and dancers to street artists and theatre groups, community performers add a touch of magic to the atmosphere, fostering a sense of togetherness and cultural appreciation. Stallholders, on the other hand, offer a diverse range of products and services, from handmade crafts and delicious food to informational booths and local initiatives, enriching the event experience and supporting local businesses. Together, community performers and stallholders create a dynamic and engaging environment that truly reflects the spirit of the community.
We’ve again got a passionate team from SEE Change working to make the event sustainable. See below for details.
We encourage you to use public transport where possible, or walk/cycle. Parking will be difficult but possible on adjacent streets. Please don’t park illegally: Access Canberra have informed us that Parking Operations “will be conducting proactive parking compliance activities”. So watch out!
Let us know you’re thinking of coming at the Facebook event page: Light Up Lyneham 2026.
Continue reading to discover more about activities, performers, stallholders, and the very important sponsors. Look for us on social media, and check back later for more details including the performance schedule for the event, and updated list of performers and stallholders as we confirm their participation.
Sunset Lantern Walk
Sunset Lantern Walk from Lyneham Shops to the Lyneham Wetlands and return
The Sunset Lantern Walk to the specially illuminated wetlands is the highlight of Light Up Lyneham. This year’s Lantern Walk will again be led by the fantastically lit Canberra Prosperous Mountain Dragon and Lion Dance troupe. The Sunset Lantern Walk is schduled to start at 5:30pm.
For the best experience, follow the Lion.
Installation Artists
We are incredibly grateful to the following professional artists and community members for creating wonderful installations for everyone’s enjoyment at the wetlands.
Be in awe of their displays as you walk around the wetlands as part of the Lantern Walk.
David Pope
Graham Anderson
Joc Barbic
Emeirely Nucifora-Ryan
Bryan Fitzpatrick
St Joseph’s Primary
Black Mountain Girl Guides
Anna Jagiello
Photo Competition
Someone will win $250 for taking a photo!
Entry is free. Two easy steps to enter the Light Up Lyneham Photo Competition:
- Take photos of Light Up Lyneham 2026
- Submit your photos (as many as you like) at lyneham.org.au/photocomp
2XX Radio Broadcast
2XX FM Broadcast
Absorbing Activities
All the activities below are free of charge.
Scavenger Hunt
- New for 2026, try our Scavenger Hunt!
- Suitable for all ages. you will need a phone or other internet-connected device.
- Start by scanning the code on any Scavenger Hunt station, or go to lyneham.org.au/hunt
- Follow the clues to find the stations that apply.
- Collect the answers to solve the final puzzle.
Maypole
Join in the Maypole Dance. We need you to make it work.
On the oval, between the school and bike path.
The Maypole dance is a joyous, centuries-old spring ritual that transforms a plain wooden pole into a dazzling, braided masterpiece of colour. Traditionally a celebration of spring, for us it’s a celebrating community and the promise of spring.
Don’t get yourself in a twist!
Volleyball
Have a go at some volleyball on the oval. Join the team from Volleyball ACT.
Maybe learn some simple skills for digs, sets, and spikes.
There’s a grass volleyball comp starting in coming months.
Football
Join the team from Capital Football to try out your skills.
How accurately can you kick the ball?
Frisbee
Learn some throwing techniques useful for competitive Ultimate Frisbee, or just have fun throwing a frisbee around with the team from Canberra Ultimate.
On the oval during daylight.
Unicycling
Have a go at unicycling with the help of ACT Unicycling.
Along the bike path towards the creek.
Juggling
Have a go at juggling, with help from Jugglehub.
On the oval in daylight.
Play an instrument
Come and try making a sound with a band instrument.
Find the stall in the car park, and have a blast, under the expert guidance of people from Canberra Brass Band Inc.
Slackline
Have a go with the slackline, set up near the bike path.
Just like a tightrope, but slacker.
Balloon Twisting
If you’d like Chloe to make you a balloon friend, go find her near the SupaExpress.
Caricatures
Ask Chris to draw your caricature.
See how others view you!
Fantastic Performers and Entertainment
We are thrilled that the Canberra Prosperous Mountain and Lion Dance illuminated lion will again lead the sunset Lantern Walk.
THE Stimulating Scavenger Hunt
Can you complete the Scavenger Hunt?
Suitable for all ages.
Scan the QR code on any scavenger hunt station to start, or go to lyneham.org.au/hunt
THE MAGICAL CONOR LEISKy
Conor Leisky specializes in up-close and interactive magic for corporate and private events. Whether mingling with guests or performing right at their table, Conor ensures that there’s never a dull moment.
(Photo: Jasper Moyle)
ThE uplifting CANBERRA ULTIMATE. Fun with frisbees
Come and try your hand at Ultimate. Pick up some skills used in competitive frisbee.
The head-spinning ACT Unicycling
Try your hand (or is that your feet?) at unicycling with ACT Unicycling. No experience necessary.
The Up Tempo JOHN AGNEW BAND
JAB has a strong focus on community and is perfect for those new to playing, those returning to playing and school leavers who want to continue playing.
Don’t be slack!
Try your balance on the slackline.
The Passionate PRISM Jazz Ensemble
Prism is aimed at players of all ages and skill levels who are interested in playing jazz, particularly the Big Band style. There is no minimum or maximum number of players per part so anyone can come and have a go!
THE FABULOUS MR TIM’S FAMILY CHOIR
(Photo: Jasper Moyle)
THE Captivating Canberra Brass
Newbery Brass is the beginning step in the Canberra Brass Inc. community organisation. This ensemble provides an opportunity for people in the ACT community to develop brass playing skills, and enjoy making music with other people. The intention is that this band is the first step towards joining Victoria Street Brass, and potentially Canberra Brass.
THE genial Ginninderra wind Orchestra
Delight in the wondrous sounds of the award-winning Ginninderra Wind Orchestra.
Cheeky Caricatures with Chris
Grab a caricature of yourself drawn by caricature world record holder, Chris Wilson.
The Accomplished Australian Rubgy Choir
The Australian Rugby Choir is a men’s choir which aims to promote singing in the community through performances at rugby matches and other community and charitable events. The choir is a non-profit organisation, with its members sharing the love of both rugby and singing.
The well-washed David Bath and the Hot Tubs
Is this band still wet behind the ears?
Drawing inspiration from early Australian, British, and American rock periods while keeping their sound firmly contemporary, David’s songwriting tackles social issues, contemplation, and general wellbeing for the planet, telling stories about life and how we adapt as it unfolds.
The Classy Celtic Folk
Be invigorated by music based on folk music from all around the world, including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Galicia (Spain), Brittany (France), Russia, Turkey, Romania and Central and Eastern Euprope.
THE PUMPING ACT FIRE TRUCK
Get up close and personal with a Fire Truck from ACT Fire and Rescue between 4 and 5pm.
THE Laudable Light Up Lyneham Singers
Hear the Light Up Lyneham Singers along the Lantern Walk route.
The Charming, The Charismatic, The Cashews
Quirky, catchy, melodious, grounded original songs with a lingering social conscience.
The Well-Coordinated Juggle Hub
Have a go at juggling with the crew from Juggle Hub. No experience necessary.
The Competent Coolibah Coolective
A jazzy, indie-folk outfit weaving warm cello, guitar and u-bass, with electric slide ukulele and percussive beats, into soulful, story-driven songs rich with groove and atmosphere.
Performance Schedule
This schedule is subject to change.
Main Stage
15:00 Welcome; Acknowledgement of country
15:00 Coolibah Coolective
15:35 Rio Samba
16:10 David Bath and the Hot Tubs
17:15 Lion Dance
17:30 Sunset Lantern Walk Start
17:40 Celtic Folk
18:55 Silvertop String Band
20:00 Farewell
Brass Stage
15:00 Newbery Brass
16:15 John Agnew band
17:30 Pause for Sunset Lantern Walk
17:40 Prism Jazz Ensemble
18:55 Ginninderra Wind Orchestra
20:00 Close
Choir Stage
15:00 Andante Andante
16:15 Mr Tim’s Family Choir
17:30 Pause for Sunset Lantern Walk
17:45 Strange Weather Choir
18:55 Cyrenes
19:30 Australian Rugby Choir
20:00 Close
Sunset Lantern Walk
Prosperous Mountain Dragon and Lion Dance
The Cashews
Discobedience
Light Up Lyneham Singers
Magpie Hill Band
Fire/Roving/Static/Activity
Trombone March (starts at 14:40, before Light Up Lyneham begins)
Marking the end of the International Trombone Festival,
and the beginning of Light Up Lyneham
Scavenger Hunt (15:00-20:00)
Giggly Wiggly Balloons (15:15-17:15)
Magician (Conor) (15:15-17:15)
Caricatures with Chris (15:15-17:15)
Slackline (15:00-20:00)
Maypole with Molly (15:15-17:15)
Fire Performance (19:00) Fire Circle
Unicycling (15:00-17:15)
ACT Fire Truck (16:00-17:00)
Ultimate Frisbee (15:00-17:15)
Juggle Hub (15:00-17:30)
Volleyball (15:00-17:30)
Scintillating Stalls
Photo credit: Carolyn Davidson
Last Minute Lanterns
Get your Last Minute Lanterns at the LCA stall. Rechargeable and reusable. Long lasting, fast charging. Comes fully charged with our choice of coloured cellophane.
Only $7, or 3 for $20
Lyneham Community Association
Last Minute Lanterns
Information, membership, lost property, lost children, lost parents, first aid
Wattle Early Childhood Centre
Sausage sizzle, cupcakes
13 Canberra Scout Group
Lantern making and crafts
Black Mountain Girl Guides
Cakes
Slinko Canberra
Spiral potatoes
Miss Wu
Chinese savoury crepes
Krofties
Handmade crocheted goods
Wishtoys
Glow toys and novelties
Old Canberra Inn
Mulled Wine
Toy Kingdom
Glow toys and novelties
Fairy Floss Kingdom
Fairy floss on a glowstick
Four Winds Vineyard
Mulled wine, lanterns
Joolsy Woolsy
Hand knitted accessories and toys
Little Hats and Sweets
Sweets and children’s hats
Boorowa Bees
Honey, beeswax goods, and more
Newbery Brass
Try playing a band instrument!
SEE Change
Waste management tips.
Re-usables library.
Wombat and Poss
Knitted and handmade clothing
MS3D Printing
3D printed goods
Lids 4 Kids
Rescuing plastic for the planet
Food Co-op
Food for people, not profit
Chameleon Icecreamery
Boutique hand made icecream
2XX Community Radio
Broadcasting live
3 Charities
Kitchen items, jams, dressups
Lucky Lucy Planted Purpose
Plants and accessories
Forge and Filament
3D printed animals, decor, gaming accessories
Volleyball ACT
Interested in joining a volleyball comp?
Ultimate Frisbee
Find out about fun with frisbees
Hummingbird Vintage
Vintage clothing, accessories & collectables
Bit of Sugar Therapy
Sweet treats
Pop-Up Pizza
Pizza with pizzazz
Lyneham Primary P&C
Sausage with sizzle
Druykul Fusion
Bhutanese Cuisine
Chips on a Stick
Chips on a stick
Kids Glow World
Glow sticks and flashing novelties
Saccharum Espresso
Canberra’s green caffeine machine
The Bun
Oriental Pizza
Walk In Clinic For Animals
Vet checks and advice
North Canberra Eyecare
Spectacle cleaning, accessories and general advice
Pharoah’s Bites
Egyptian Street Food
Divergent X, Little Dresses, Woodworking
Clothing, Jewellery, Wood items
El Chapo Sauces
Handcrafted sauces
Canan Turkish Gozleme
Traditional Turkish Gozlemes
Hello Wanderer Vintage
Vintage homewares, art and silver jewellery
Happy Time Donuts
Donuts!
Food Vans
Crafted with traditional techniques, our roti is soft, flaky and perfect for any time of day.
Poncho Fox
Image coming soon…
Quiet Space
Lyneham Brain Space has kindly offered their space as a sensory space for anyone who needs it during Light Up Lyneham. They’re located on the corner of Foa and Hall Streets.
Sustainability and Waste
This year Light Up Lyneham is again collaborating with the SEE Change WasteLess team on sustainability and waste. Here is what the team of passionate waste management volunteers has in store:
- We encourage you to Bring Your Own mugs/cups and cutlery. Our SEE Change stall will have a wash station where you can clean your BYO items.
- Our SEE Change stall will supply reusable items for visitors to borrow and return. These include plastic dishes, ceramic mugs and plates, and metal cutlery. Please return to the volunteers at the bin stations or to the SEE Change stall.
- Bin stations will be clearly labelled and accompanied by volunteers, who can assist you in determining which bin your item belongs in.
- The bin stations will include an organics bin for food waste, paper towels & plates, and wooden cutlery. These will go to Global Worming, for worms to turn into compost.
- *** Please no plastic in the organics bin, as the worms can’t eat plastic. This includes ‘compostable’ plastic and coffee cups, which should go to general waste (as not recyclable either). ***
- The bin stations will include a bin for containers in the 10c deposit scheme for the benefit of Lyneham Primary School.
- Lids4Kids will be collecting lids from containers at the event and will have a stall selling and swapping their Zero Waste Warriors tubs so you can collect lids for recycling at home.
Lantern Making
Consider coming along to one of our two Lantern Workshops, on 25 or 26 July, for an opportunity to make your lanterns with help from experienced lantern makers, including the fabulous David Pope. Places are limited, so register now.
If you’re going it alone, but want some ideas, click on a lantern below to view the guide to make it.
Paper Lantern
Easy Paper Lantern
Paper Lantern
Milk Bottle Lantern
Social media
Please consider registering your intention or interest in attending, so we have an idea of how many people to expect.
Check out our great pics!
#LightUpLyneham
Don't lose your child!
Your children are your responsibility. Here are some tips on keeping your child safe. Applicability will obviously depend on the age of your child. Wristbands are available for free at the LCA stall.
- Agree beforehand on a meeting point if separated.
- Write your phone number on a wristband (available from LCA stall) or on the child’s arm.
- Keep an eye on your child at all times.
- Remind your child of the risks (cars, roads, water, strangers).
- Don’t allow your child to run ahead of the Mountain Lion on the lantern walk.
- If you become separated, go to the LCA tent.
- An LCA volunteer (fluoro jacket) will stay with a lost child and contact the LCA tent.
Event Supporter
We are grateful to the ACT Government for their support of Light Up Lyneham.
Event Supporter
Generous Sponsors
We are incredibly thankful for the generous support of our sponsors. We simply couldn’t put on Light Up Lyneham without them. Just as they’ve supported us, we hope you can support them.
