A normal day of work for Sydney company Mandylights includes coordinating the lighting for the Backstreet Boys' Las Vegas residency show. But this weekend, they'll be lighting up Floriade for after dark event Nightfest.
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Preparations started back in January for the ticketed event, which will turn Canberra's celebration of spring into a nocturnal playground with light displays, comedians, food, drinks, and entertainment.
The year's installations incorporate 9000 lights, and Richard Neville from light designers Mandylights said they are, "a lot more immersive and interactive experiences" than previous years.
The centrepiece is 'The Vines', a 70-metre installation of vertical illuminated 'vines' which light up in time with a dance music soundtrack.
"It's the first installation we've created where you actually walk inside it and basically become part of the installation," Mr Neville said.
"It's the biggest installation we've ever done at a Nightfest before, and it's one of the biggest most complicated things we've ever done."
Another installation, The Bloom, takes inspiration from a 70s-themed garden bed behind Stage 88, adding in lighting, 70s music, bubble machines and mirror balls.
To mark the 30th anniversary, Floriade's floral designers have created the top garden beds from over the years, and Nightfest is adding a similar touch.
"We've hidden little throwbacks all over the park, so there's actually a bit of every installation we've done over the last eight years of Nightfest hidden in the park somewhere," said Mr Neville.
Mandylights has collaborated with ACT Events on Nightfest for eight years, and has also lit up events all over the world including Dubai New Year's Eve, installations at Sydney's Vivid, and lighting for both Ricky Martin and The Backstreet Boys.
Nightfest will run September 22-24, and for the first time will also run for a second weekend on September 29-October 1.
The lineup of entertainment across the two weekends includes comedians Tripod, Dane Simpson, Rebecca De Unamuno, and The Stevenson Experience, and musicians Kav Temperley of Eskimo Joe fame, The Gypsy Scholars, and Mondecreen.
There is also drinks from locals Baldwin Distillery and Capital Brewing Co and plenty of food options,
Nightfest runs from 8pm-11pm in Commonwealth Park. Tickets available from floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest/tickets.
