If you see bright lights in the sky this Queen’s Birthday weekend, it’s probably just your neighbours, getting into the spirit of LUMIFY 2020. 

From May 29 May to June 1, residents are being encouraged to decorate their houses, apartments, backyards with bright lights. 

The idea for the LUMIFY festival came from three: Debbie Townsend, Janey Rae and Sunny Sky. The three are all involved in events and the arts around the Southern Lakes.

Although Queenstown’s annual LUMA light festival was cancelled this year due to COVID-19, Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Central Lakes Trust have thrown their combined weight behind the three women’s vision of a brightly lit midwinter festival - and provided a spark of funding for the event.

With everyone in New Zealand needing some cheering up right now, the idea of illuminating your own house or garden is spreading fast. People as far away as Nelson, Wellington and Invercargill are getting enthused about LUMIFY, according to LUMA chairman Duncan Forsyth.

“LUMIFY is a fantastic idea and a great initiative,” Duncan told the Wanaka App. “LUMA has a core creative body of about five people, but there are 15 to 20 people involved in bringing LUMIFY to life. 

Debbie Townsend was really the instigator, and Janey and Sunny have helped bring her vision to life.”

Duncan added that the new festival had great support from the council and Central Lakes Trust, as well as SILO and Summit Events. 

“People throughout the Upper Clutha have been helping facilitate and support this idea. It’s a real chance for neighbourhoods to do something creative and uplifting, to beat the midwinter COVID-19 blues and celebrate their community.”

LUMIFY takes place officially over Queens Birthday Weekend, but there’s no reason not to start getting your backyard bright and festive right away. 

PHOTO: Dale Wowk