#CELEBRATEBRISBANE River of Light
This art-meets-technology water fountain, light and laser spectacular illuminates the night in a spellbinding celebration of our river.
The free show features dynamic jets and giant spirals of water, full-colour lighting and rainbow-coloured lasers, to tell a traditional story of the dreaming serpent that wove the river into being and created the life blood of our city.
Many people are familiar with the word 'Maiwar'. It’s the name of a new electorate; Maiwar Green is a lovely grass area between GoMA and the State Library; and it’s the name of Brisbane City Council’s annual city-wide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary art program. Maiwar is a traditional word now widely used as a name for the Brisbane River.
But few of us know any traditional stories of the creation of the river. So we teamed up the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company with world-leaders Oracle Liquid to find a way to share a local story with us. Designed for children, adults and families alike, it’s a spectacular, must-see free event.
#CelebrateBrisbane River of Light shows several times every night, right through Brisbane Festival.
Here is a note from Yuggera Elder Kerry Charlton on the origin of the word 'Maiwar';
"Mairwar is a Dungidau word for the breeding ground of the platypus which were protected areas across the river systems. Due to its unique characteristics the platypus is often depicted in our stories as a peacemaker who works with feuding animals to solve problems together and live in reconciliation.” GAJA KERRY
Watch
#CelebrateBrisbane River of Light is proudly presented by Brisbane Festival, Treasury Brisbane and Philip Bacon AM, in association with Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council. Major Brisbane Festivals has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Backing Indigenous Arts Initiative.
Catch an Uber to your Brisbane Festival event! First-time riders can use code BRISFEST18 for up to $20 off their ride
Parking: Paid car parks at QPAC and South Bank Parklands
Park at South Bank from 6pm Mon-Thurs for just $10 for 3 hours. Read more.
Bus: Cultural Centre busway station
Train: South Brisbane train station
Ferry: South Bank ferry terminal
Visit TransLink for public transport options