Last weekend’s Glow in the Park celebration was a thank you from EA Networks to the community to mark their centenary  - 100 years of providing power in Mid Canterbury.

Just under 10,000 people attended the event at the Tinwald Domain and Plains Vintage Railway precinct.

A steady stream of visitors came through across three nights, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was the biggest night, hosting over 5,000 people.

A hot air balloon from Adventure Balloons proved to be a hit with attendees as were the food trucks. Each pathway was lit by children and their glowing painted faces, glow sticks, lights and toy swords wrapped in candy floss. Installations featured coloured, moving, neon and flashing lights, with audio effects that brought displays to life.

It was great to see groups and families across ages, cultures and abilities experience something special together this winter. Glow in the Park was a free event, and it seemed to bring the community together again, after what has been a challenging past few years with the ongoing pandemic and extreme weather.

It was a pleasure to also highlight the attributes of the Tinwald Domain and Plains Vintage Railway precinct, which people discovered either for the first time or in a whole new light.

We have received an overwhelmingly positive response to the event. We’re currently gathering our thoughts as to how we might provide an event like this again in the future.

Thank you to the many organisations that also provided support including: The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum, Mid Canterbury Children’s Day Committee, Ashburton Fire Museum, Tinwald Reserve Board and local Lions and Rotary clubs.

Community events take many hours and a lot of people working together, so I’d like to thank our sponsors, volunteers and staff who worked to make this special event happen.