Bathurst mayor Gary Rush and  Bathurst RSL sub branch branch David Mills have been discussing how the carillon might be permanently illuminated to enhance its position at the heart of Bathurst’s CBD.

Cr Rush said the suggestion was made in response to community comment about how much people enjoyed seeing the carillon lit up for Bathurst’s bicentenary celebrations. 

“The Carillon is a very significant monument that has a significant place in town,” Cr Rush said.

“Many people commented to me how spectacular it looked during the bicentenary celebrations.”

Cr Rush said the sub branch was very supportive of council’s proposal to have the carillon lit permanently.

He said council would invest in the purchase of lights to illuminate the carillon.

The next step will be to determine the colours used to illuminate the carillon and cost the purchase of the lights.

“We want to see the same softness that was demonstrated throughout the Illuminations,” Cr Rush said.

“It would further identify the carillon as a symbol of the city.”

Cr Rush said it was possible the colour of the illumination would change with the seasons. 

One suggestion was that a different lighting effect could be created for Anzac Day to create a special atmosphere for the dawn service.

Cr Rush said discussions were held about keeping the lights used during the Illuminations, however, they weren’t durable enough to become a permanent feature.

Bathurst will be hosting a winter festival in July when the Illuminations return.

Cr Rush said the festival would run for nine nights from July 4, and he hopes people will rug up and come out to see the next instalment. 

He said an ice skating rink would be set up in Kings Parade, adding a little magic to the festival. 

There will also be food and wine on opening night as well as a few surprises.

Different illuminations will be projected onto the courthouse. This time the images will be more contemporary. 

Cr Rush said lighting can change how we see our city’s buildings. It also changes the mood of the city at night, yet it is relatively inexpensive. 

“I think people already miss the Illuminations and the mood and spirit they created,” Cr Rush said.