White Night shines again in Geelong

WHITE Night returned to the streets of central Geelong for the first time in four years, and an estimated 93,000 people joined in the celebration of music, art, culture and community.

On Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday morning, more than 100 artists presented unique and diverse exhibitions, installations and projections, bringing the city’s streets, parks and buildings to life with signature building projections, magical marine animals, giant inflatables and all-night music.

“What a night! It was fantastic to see so many people out on the streets, coming together as a community to eat, drink, dance and celebrate,” White Night creative director Joseph O’Farrell said.

“Geelong really put on a show, and watching audiences of all ages mesmerised by giant creatures, spectacular projections and local music was truly special.”

Highlights of the one-night-only event included:

Reflected in the Sky, which saw buildings showcasing the exciting, contemporary and dynamic work of First Nations artists Billy-Jay O’Toole, Kait James and Jenna Oldaker, who took on the theme “Everything on the land is reflected in the sky”

The high-octane performance in Heavy Metal saw audiences head-banging to the riffs of two guitarists, while gasping in awe as cars were flattened in front of their eyes in the Grace Church Carpark

Drag City turned Gheringhap Street into an unforgettable party as drag queens and audiences alike danced the night away

Colouring in Competition brought together the work of more than 200 local students and artists from the James Street Gallery in a huge community-led display of creative energy, and

Throughout the night, The Guardian roved Western Beach Road and the foreshore, the beautiful creature from A Blanck Canvas capturing imaginations everywhere it went with its shimmering scales and massive stature.

A Victorian government initiative, this year’s White Night events were conceived and curated to shine a light on the many and varied cultural gems beyond Melbourne.

“We’re backing events across the state to deliver more visitors to Victoria’s regions, while providing a boost to local jobs and businesses – and White Night in Geelong did just that,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.

“White Night Geelong was a wonderful event that attracted thousands of visitors to the region, offering a family-friendly spectacular that delighted local crowds and visitors alike.”