It’s Locals Night at the Trail!

Published on 18 September 2025

Trail of Lights will once again celebrate locals these school holidays, offering half-price tickets, and plenty of musical fun and activities, for two nights only.

On Friday 26 September and Saturday 4 October, those heading to the Trail of Lights will be able to take part in fun activities delivered in partnership with the Sunraysia Arts and Learning Group at Rio Vista Park from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, creating the perfect prelude to walking the Trail.

Drum circles, Henna painting, dance groups, jam sessions and pop-up art workshops are all scheduled to take place over both nights.

Classic lawn games and tasty treats from Jessica Rabbit will also be on offer.

Mildura Mayor and Councillor for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Healy encouraged the community, especially those with young families, to take advantage of the latest instalment of the Locals Night initiative.

“Our Locals Nights have proven a real hit since being introduced earlier this year, with previous ‘Taco Tuesday’ nights attracting sold out crowds during the Easter School Holidays,” Cr Healy said.

“With the weather starting to warm up again, this is the perfect chance to experience all the Trail of Lights has to offer.

“Sunraysia Arts and Learning, a wonderful local group, has also planned two nights of music and activities not to be missed.”

A quiet and transcendent experience, Trail of Lights, by the internationally-renowned Bruce Munro, allows visitors to connect with both the artwork and the natural environment.

“I’m personally truly mesmerised every time I step foot on the Trail, and if you haven’t had the chance to experience it for yourself now is the time,” Cr Healy said.

Tickets are available online at mildura.com/lights – with more Locals Nights planned over the spring and summer months.

Full schedule:

Friday 26 September
5.30pm to 7.30pm: Catherine from Sunraysia Arts and Learning with a community drum circle
Catherine is a local community musician and music therapist who is passionate about making music with people of all ages. Catherine has been sharing her infectious joy and music with people all over Australia for the last 30 years! Come along, grab a drum, smash out a rhythm and join the fun! No experience needed, just a sense of adventure!

5.30pm to 7.30pm: Hanifa - Paint your own Henna Hands

Hanifa and Arifa invite you to join them to learn to decorate your own hands with beautiful Afghani henna designs. Hanifa has been creating henna designs her whole life. Hanifa and Arifa have shared their beautiful art with the Mildura community at many festivals and events.

6pm to 7pm: Hakuna Matata Congolese Dance Group
Mildura's very own Hakuna Matata Congolese Dance group invite you to come and learn some fun and easy dance moves. The dance group was formed in 2024 and is led by local dancer Benedict Baraka. The young members of this group recently shared their fabulous dancing at the SMECC Multicultural Festival and can't wait to bring their joy in dance to Rio Vista Park.

Saturday 4 October
5.30pm to 7.30pm: Alida from Sunraysia Arts and Learning with an all in music jam
Alida is a local music therapist who is passionate about sharing music with people of all ages and abilities. Join Alida in a jam session, and have a go at playing percussion, ukuleles, keyboards and guitars. Alida brings warmth and expertise in helping everyone to find joy in making music. All ages, no experience necessary.

5.30 to 7.30pm: Pop Up Art Gallery with Mel Castleman
Mel Castleman is a Mildura-based art therapist, artist and community arts facilitator. Mel is passionate about creativity as a tool for expression and wellbeing. Come and join Mel to create your own unique artwork to decorate the Trail of Lights Trailhead, and be part of or Trail of Lights Pop Up Community Gallery.

6pm to 7pm: Sing along with Uncle Brian Hunt
Uncle Brian Hunt is a much-loved Barkindji musician and poet. Come and join Uncle Brian in his element as he shares music and poetry that speaks of his life as a Barkindji Elder and leader in our community. Play and sing along with this amazing local treasure.

ENDS