River light show to bring in 2019

Adramatic light show drawing on the features and atmosphere of the Wimmera River will be a major highlight of a community New Year’s Eve party in Horsham.

Horsham projection artist Brandon Farley will prepare a lighting extravaganza on the river at Horsham Showground’s Maydale Reserve, for what organisers are promoting as a family fun night of celebration.

Horsham Agricultural Society is working with Horsham Rural City Council on the event called ‘New Year’s Eve, Let’s Celebrate by the River’.

Society secretary Andrea Cross said the celebration was in response to public demand for a return of a New Year’s Eve event in Horsham.

“Horsham has been crying out for something special on New Year’s Eve for quite a while now, so we’re planning a fun night of music, food and entertainment,” she said.

“The council approached us and despite a difficulty in getting volunteers to help with events at this time of the year, we have rallied to make sure it happens.

“Apart from it being a great chance to do something to celebrate the arrival of a new year, we see it as a great opportunity to continue our efforts to activate the area in conjunction with “We’re delving into the world of technology for an artistic presentation and from all accounts it should be pretty spectacular” the council’s overall plans to generate activity and attractions on the Wimmera River.”

Horsham Rural City Council, responding to calls for a community New Year’s Eve celebration, endorsed a recommendation at its October meeting to provide up to $15,000 to help the society run the event.

Mrs Cross stressed the celebration, free of charge and running from 6pm to 12.30am, would be designed for families and would feature a variety of entertainment activities for children.

“We plan to have novelty water activities, face-painting, jumping castle, merry go-round and other children’s attractions. But we will also have a jazz band performing for a couple of hours before Dave Mcmaster steps up for some good old-fashioned rock,” she said.

“There will be a variety of food stalls and a Silo Bar in the Maydale Beer Garden will be open. It will be a strictly no BYO event.”

Mrs Cross said the light show heralding the new year would be a creative alternative to traditional fireworks.

“We’re delving into the world of technology for an artistic presentation and from all accounts it should be pretty spectacular,” she said.

“We will have a major presentation at midnight and some earlier presentations for people with young children who need to get home.”

Mrs Cross said expectations were that up to 500 people might turn up on the night at what was proving to be a popular venue for major events.

“Maydale Reserve has generated some memorable experiences with a German fest and food and wine show,” she said.

“We’re very conscious of making the most of the site, which represents perhaps one of the most underused riverside assets in Horsham.”

– Andrea Cross