Mark the date – the Light Up Bike Spectacle, this year re-named Lights On Bikes, will be back on Friday, 27 September, and it promises to be even bigger and brighter.

This free event is open to all ages so light up your wheels and yourself and come along. Bicycles, scooters, buggies, unicycles, skateboards, roller skates, wheelchairs and more are all welcome.

Last year’s organiser, Riah King-Wall, Strategic Lead Creative Industries and Arts at Whanganui & Partners, says, “The Light Up Bike Spectacle was a magical experience – people created marvellous costumes for themselves and their bikes or wheeled contraptions, which all became part of an amazing parade of illuminated artwork travelling along our shared pathways.”

The evening parade was a finalist for two national New Zealand Event Awards.

Ms King-Wall says this year Whanganui District Council is fortunate to have Shanti Sibbing, who organised the Whanganui Walls street art festival, on-board as Event Manager for Lights On Bikes.

Ms Sibbing says people can expect to see some surprising sights during the 27 September event.

“We’re planning to take Lights On Bikes to another level by bringing in more performers and making the most of the natural environment around the new route to create an immersive event.

“We have, for example, managed to secure dancer and choreographer Chloe Loftus to perform an aerial work in the treetops in Kowhai Park.

“This year we’ll use the River Market area on Taupō Quay as a hub with large floats on display and food stalls in place so people can enjoy some kai together.”

There will be the option of completing a shorter route this year, ideal for families with young children.

Community workshops will be run by the Sarjeant Gallery’s Education Officer, Sietske Jansma – dates to be advised – and a route map with height and width restrictions for floats will be released shortly.

“This event provides an opportunity for people to get out, be active and socialise while expressing themselves creatively and we’re looking forward to seeing the costumes and creations this year”, Ms Sibbing says.

Follow the event on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LIghtsOnBikes

Image: Whanganui Camera Club