Raby Bay to shine bright for the Brisbane Water Lantern Festival
By Ashleigh Howarth
Thousands of beautifully decorated lanterns are set to transform the Raby Bay Foreshore Park into a glowing wonderland this month when the Brisbane Water Lantern Festival returns.
Visitors seeking a magical experience will have the chance to create their own lanterns - each carrying personal hopes, dreams, wishes, remembrances, gratitude, or intentions - before releasing them onto the water as night falls on May 23-24.
The event will run from 2pm-6pm on both days and will be a spectacular finale to the Redlands Coast AdventureFest - a 10-day city-wide festival that celebrates the region’s breathtaking bays, islands, mountains, conservation reserves and charming villages through a diverse program of events and experiences for young and old to enjoy.
Water Lantern Festival event director Henry Coombs said the event will offer a memorable experience for everyone to share with their loved ones.
“We’re incredibly excited to return to Brisbane,” he said.
“Each time we come back, we see the community embrace the experience in such a meaningful way.
“There’s something powerful about watching thousands of lanterns light up the water together, and we’re looking forward to sharing that moment again.”
Gates open at 2pm, welcoming attendees to an afternoon of live music, food trucks, and interactive activities including as a scavenger hunt.
Participants will also be able to begin designing their lanterns ahead of the lighted launch from 5pm-6pm.
Each lantern is made from rice paper and wood, feature reused and recycled LED candles, and are collected at the end of the event to ensure the festival remains eco-friendly.
Families are permitted to bring their picnic blankets, food, and non-alcoholic drinks.
A shuttle service will also operate from the Cleveland Train Station to transfer people to and from the event.
Since launching in 2018 and hosting festivals in more than 175 cities worldwide, the Water Lantern Festival has become one of the most recognised lantern experiences on the planet.
To book tickets to this magical event in Raby Bay, click here.
This story was written for The Community Leader Redlands, a monthly newspaper which covers Redland City.
Images supplied by the Water Lantern Festival.
