Lux trips the light fantastic in capital

Wellington’s Lux Light Festival continues to get brighter, with more than 100,000 people expected to visit the annual explosion of light, colour and sound.

More than 30 installations from national and international artists, designers and architects will adorn the harbour and surrounding streets after dark from today until May 21.

Festival director Mary Laine – pictured – said this year’s festival had been revamped into precincts, each with its own ‘‘flavour and theme’’.

‘‘In 2012, we started out with four little installations on the waterfront, and now we have nearly 40.’’

Colombian artist Daniel Iregui, who goes by the name Iregular, is based in Canada, and it will be the first time his work has been seen on these shores. ‘‘I’ve been travelling the world with this work, I’ve been so lucky, and this will be my first time in New Zealand,’’ he said at last night’s event launch. ‘‘I’m excited to be here.’’

His installation, Control No Control, is an interactive LED sculpture that invites the audience to use their hands and body to act on his artwork’s accompanying sound and graphics.

‘‘There are no instructions, no right or wrong, you do whatever you want to and everything is OK.’’

This is the first year a kids’ programme will feature. Students from Porirua, Kapiti, Hutt City and Upper Hutt created light installations for their city centres that will be on show for the duration of the event.