Light up Lyneham 2025: A Night of Atmosphere, Spirit, and Shared Stories

If you were at Light Up Lyneham this year, you’ll know just how special it felt. Even with a little rain and a bitter winter chill, the community came out in force - lanterns glowing against the night sky, music and laughter drifting through the shops and wetlands, and neighbours of every age celebrating side by side.

That’s the real magic of Light Up Lyneham: the way it transforms a cold Canberra evening into something warm, vibrant, and deeply connected.

Community Spirit in Action

One local food vendor summed it up beautifully in their feedback after the event:

“For me, the best thing about Light Up Lyneham is the atmosphere. It’s vibrant, welcoming, and full of genuine community spirit. The event draws a diverse crowd who are curious, engaged, and excited to explore. As a food vendor, that energy is everything. It creates the perfect environment for sharing our food, telling our story, and connecting with people who truly appreciate what we do. It’s not just about selling. It’s about being part of something joyful and meaningful.”

That sense of belonging is exactly what organisers aim for - and what makes Light Up Lyneham such a highlight on the local calendar.

Capturing the Moment

This year also saw the introduction of a brand-new Photo Competition, encouraging festivalgoers to capture the event in their own way. From glowing lanterns and bustling stalls to quiet moments of connection, the entries showed the many faces of the festival.

The winning photo, along with all entries, can now be viewed online - a lasting reminder of the colour, joy, and creativity that lit up Lyneham on the night.

A Greener Festival

Sustainability was once again front and centre this year, thanks to the team from SEE-Change WasteLess, who set up a community wash-up station to help reduce single-use waste. Many festivalgoers brought along their own cups and crockery, making the event not just colourful and creative, but also a little kinder to the planet.

It’s a small effort that makes a big difference - and it’s another way Light Up Lyneham shows what’s possible when the community works together.

Looking Ahead

As organiser Trevor Vickers said after the festival, “Light Up Lyneham simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community. It’s the energy of volunteers, the passion of vendors and performers, and the willingness of locals to come out and celebrate together that turn an idea into a living, glowing tradition”.

This year proved once again what’s possible when people come together with open hearts and shared purpose. And if the buzz from this year’s event is anything to go by, Lyneham is already looking forward to doing it all again next winter.