UPDATE (13 November 2020): Council is considering if extra tickets can be offered now the Queensland Government has announced coronavirus restrictions will be eased from Tuesday, 17 November.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Merry and Bright is a new Christmas event set to dazzle the Bundaberg Region with a magical illumination display at the Botanic Gardens.
For two nights only on December 12 and 13, the Botanic Gardens will become “enchanted” as Merry and Bright spreads Christmas cheer.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the event would be the main highlight of the exciting 12 Days of Christmas calendar.
“Residents will be able to explore the Botanic Gardens at night and step into this captivating Christmas wonderland,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“The Botanic Gardens we know and love will be transformed as the vibrant display lights up trees and walkways.
“This is a fresh and unique way for Bundaberg Region residents to mark the festive season and one that I am sure will offer plenty of enjoyment.”
Mayor Dempsey said a circuit of lighting would be created that could be explored up close or from a distance.
“Participants will be mesmerised by the lighting displays which will be a combination of twinkling lights and light projections,” he said.
“Aptly described as an enchanted gardens, you can explore Merry and Bright by foot or take advantage of free steam train rides for a unique perspective.”
While the event is free to attend, bookings for Merry and Bright are essential, with tickets available from Monday, 9 November.
To meet COVID-safe requirements, arts and culture portfolio spokesman, Cr John Learmonth, said the event would be ticketed to limit numbers and ensure restrictions are adhered to.
“This event is sure to delight young and old with roving entertainers hosting a glow show and local singers performing throughout the evening,” he said.
“A nativity show, craft activities, alpacas and a special visit from a jolly man dressed in red will add to the fun of the evening.
“To complete the evening you can also grab a bite to eat with Cafe 1928 open throughout the event and a variety of food trucks available.”
Tickets are available from 9am on Monday, 9 November from whatsonbundaberg.com.au.
The event will be held from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm on both December 12 and 13.
Merry and Bright has been supported through a Regional Tourism Recovery Grant.
- TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
If Merry and Bright turns out as good as what’s described, and tickets book out. You really do have to ask why they would spend all this time to setup the lighting, only have it displayed for two nights only.
I can’t believe this sold out so fast, we were so looking forward to going and have sadly missed out on tickets. Would you be able to consider adding additional nights please. Cheers Mel.
Not very fair that it is apparently sold out after 1 hour.
Shame to Bundaberg council for only having this wonderful Christmas event on for 2 days. This should be open to one and all and should be shown throughout the Christmas holidays. Goes to show how much is being done in regional towns. Most of the people of Bundaberg have missed out on this event. Rates are high in this town and you would think that the council could put this event on longer.
What a great event, Merry Bright to Dazzel at the Botanical gardens… surely this could be extended more than 2 days so more children have the chance to see this? Upset we missed out.
Surely this could have – should have- been available to all Bundaberg residents not just the few that managed to get a ticket in the first hour??
So I waited for the Ticket site to come up, was in que at 11:58am and by 12:02pm was 220th something on the website and I couldn’t get a ticket…so both dates booked out almost straight away….extremely disappointing.
Second attempt and I was there for the count down, clicked on the link, waited, I was 142 in line, made it through to booking, however they would not add to cart. So of course the page times out and I have to start again to find out it’s booked out. Extremely frustrating. My girls would have loved this.
Terribly disappointed. Missed out on tickets to Merry and Bright. Definitely not on long enough. After seeing Vivid in Sydney a few years ago,was looking forward to it