ESEM Projects, the team behind the illuminations at the inaugural festival, was invited back for another year, this time given a ‘weird and wonderful’ theme. 

Director Michael Killalea said ESEM took that as “an invitation to explore the world beyond the looking glass” and embarked on an Alice in Wonderland-style series of projections. 

Bathurst Court House will be the major illumination site and will feature a 14-minute projection on a loop.

“It doesn’t have a narrative, it is just an exploration of movement, colour and line,” Mr Killalea said.

Art from local children has been incorporated again and can be seen in Storybook Lane, which is the path from the court house to the Fernery in Machattie Park, which will also be lit up.

“The Fernery we are turning into a fairy garden,” Mr Killalea said.

“There is an instagramical moment with wings that can be used in your photos.”

Other illumination spots include the Cathedral of St Michael and St John, Ribbon Gang Lane and the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum.

Mr Killalea said it has taken a lot of work to put the illuminations together, but people will hopefully enjoy them.

“We’ve been working for months now, but like anything, it starts as a concept and then drawings and more ideas … and we were still drawing this week,” he said. 

He said the festival has definitely grown since ESEM Projects was last involved and it was great to be part of the event again.

“It is such an amazing thing to be part of,” he said.