Blaze of light for Walhalla

A blaze of lights will return to Walhalla again next August.

After a year’s absence because of a lack of funding the “Vinter Ljusfest” will be on throughout the month with lighting displays each night and special evening events such as night trains.

The return of the festival was confirmed last week when Walhalla and Mountain Rivers Tourism was advised by Visit Victoria’s Regional Events Fund that it would stump up $20,000 towards the cost to add to $5000 from Baw Baw Shire council.

President of WMRT Brad Harris said the money would be used to run the month-long event, cover insurance and permit costs, buy new lighting and install extra power supply.

It will be the fifth Walhalla Vinter Ljusfest held, a unique winter event that has turned August from being the quietest month of the year of tourist visits to one of the most prosperous.

Mr Harris said many people were bitterly disappointed last year when Ljusfest had to be cancelled because of funding problems.

He added that the benefits of the festival went well beyond Walhalla.

“It is a fabulous event that increases tourism trade at nearby Erica and Rawson and the wider Latrobe Valley”.

“It is a great reason to head into the mountains to see Walhalla in a different light”.

Many not-for-profit groups such as Walhalla Goldfields Railway, the Walhalla Heritage and Development League and the local CFA all benefit greatly from the funds they raise during Ljusfest, Mr Harris said.

The festival will run each evening from August 1 to 27.