Glow in the Park in the Ashburton Domain over King’s Birthday weekend is shaping up to be bigger and brighter, with more lights, more rides and more food.

With just 29 days until the lights are switched on, organisers are finalising the entertainment and food vendors and preparing to set the stage for thousands of night-time visitors to the domain.

Group Manager Compliance and Development Jane Donaldson said the domain was turning 160 this year and its natural beauty would make a stunning stage for the illuminated light show.

“This will be the third time Council has run this event and we’re looking forward to it. Thanks to our generous sponsors, entry continues to be free and we hope people will come along with their family and friends.”

A new feature of the event is a low sensory session on the Sunday evening.

“This is an opportunity between 4.30pm and 5.30pm for children or others with sensory needs to come along when noise volumes will be lower and there will be fewer people. It’s also a good time for people with mobility issues and we’re inviting rest home groups to come along then.”

Glow in the Park operating hours are:

• Friday 31 May, 5.30pm-9pm
• Saturday 1 June, 5.30pm-9pm
• Sunday 2 June, 4.30pm-5.30pm (low sensory session) and 5.30pm-9pm (general admittance)

If you’re planning on coming, then bring your big appetite because a huge selection of food vendors has been lined up.

About 20 are registered so far and they include mobile vendors selling a variety of Asian dishes, as well as burgers, hot chips and donuts. Among those confirmed so far are Bangkok Wok, Jaeju, Riri’s Food on Wheels, Mr Indian Kitchen, Tracey’s Grub on Hubs, Smoke Ashburton, Loaded and Purple Dragon.

Ms Donaldson said past glow shows had attracted thousands of visitors and the roads around the domain would be busy.

“There will be suggestions for finding parking on the Glow website, but we encourage locals to consider walking instead.”

Glow in the Park is sponsored by EA Networks, Event Hire, Juice Signs, Anzco, Talley's, Level Electrical, St John, Fulton Hogan and the Mid Canterbury Children's Trust, with More FM and the Ashburton Courier returning as media partners.

Ms Donaldson said other local businesses were also supporting the event and volunteers were being recruited to help manage the flow of expected visitors.

Fore more information about the event, go to glowinthepark.nz