New Plymouth District Council's award-winning TSB Festival of Lights is gearing up for one of its biggest seasons yet with an all-new line-up of dazzling displays and a packed programme of free entertainment this summer.
With Covid-19 set to restrict overseas travel, local businesses hit by the unprecedented pandemic are set to benefit from a rise in visitors from outside Taranaki flocking to New Zealand's leading light festival and Taranaki locals enjoying a sizzling summer staycation.
This summer's event will see about 14 new displays spread across the world-class Pukekura Park with one large-scale feature set to light-up New Plymouth's vibrant city centre, the first time the Festival has brought an interactive light installation into the CBD.
Among the new displays set to dazzle visitors is Shrooms designed by 'Amigo and Amigo' from Sydney. The mammoth mushrooms are sure to be a family favourite as kids experience being dwarfed by the fantastic fungi.
New Plymouth District Council recreation and culture manager Teresa Turner says letting locals and visitors know the dates early helps them to plan their summer holidays, especially important this year as Kiwis look for the perfect getaway in Aotearoa with trips abroad grounded by Covid-19.