Drouin set to light up

The Drouin Lights Up Festival has been locked in for Friday, December 7.

Drouin and District Business Group vice-president Craig Chugg said he expected the format to remain similar to last year’s successful event.

There will be plenty of activities for all ages through the town’s main street and Civic Park, while it is hoped that a market may be added to the program which will see the festival in action on both sides of the railway line.

“We’re busy locking in sponsorship and funding, so we’re just piecing it together,” Mr Chugg said.

“It will be similar to last year and will finish with a movie and fireworks in the park. “We might be expanding with a market. “We’re hoping to add in a market over near the Royal Hotel at the Old Butter Factory, but that was just an idea thrown up last night that we’ll have to work through.”

Mr Chugg said he hoped for another successful event, which saw crowds turn out in force to embrace the festive spirit last year.

“We’re expecting to have between 5000 and 10,000 people come through,” he said.

While last year’s event had been deferred by three weeks due to severe weather warnings for the planned date, this year’s festival has reverted back to early December despite the success of last year’s event being held the week before Christmas.

It is hoped the return to an early December date will see the community get into the Christmas spirit early and alleviate an already busy week leading into Christmas for local businesses, who help organise the festival with the backing of sponsors.

Matthew and Adam Parker were quick to mount up for a camel ride at last year’s Festival; File photographs.

Passenger Karen Lindorff gave her version of a royal wave to the crowd at last year’s Drouin Lights Up Festival.

There was no doubting that Christmas was coming at last year’s Drouin Lights Up festival. Pictured enjoying the activities at last year’s event were the Rahini family, from left Fareed, Soraya, Eve and Samar.