Australia's Moon Lantern Parade Shines Bright

Australia's largest lantern parade has wowed attendees, with more than 40,000 converging on Elder Park and Lucky Dumpling Market to soak up the colour, lights and entertainment.

More than 40 large handmade lanterns - including nine new giant lanterns - dazzled crowds before a spectacular fireworks display.

OzAsia Festival Artistic Director Joseph Mitchell said the parade continues to be a must-do on the family calendar: "The 2018 Moon Lantern Parade was a great success as a feature event of OzAsia Festival. The increased site capacity with road closures on King William Street ensured that many more people were able to enjoy the atmosphere. This year, the parade kicked off with the popular Hong Kong Dragon and also introduced 23 brand new lanterns. About 1,000 community members were involved in the parade which is one of Adelaide's most popular family friendly events. The event celebrates Chinese culture and is also a celebration of the diverse multicultural communities of Adelaide. Each year, families enjoy the parade of lanterns, day long program of music, workshops, outdoor activities and fireworks."

It took 12 lantern artists five months to create the new lanterns.

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier said the event is a wonderful celebration: "OzAsia Festival's Moon Lantern Parade is the largest lantern parade in the country and it literally shines a light on Asian culture. By engaging such a large audience, the event has increased awareness, understanding and celebration of multicultural South Australia."

While the lanterns will be packed away for another year, Joseph said OzAsia Festival is in full swing: "This is just the start of OzAsia Festival. Over the next two weeks there will be a range of exciting theatre, dance and music offerings, including Sutra by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Shaolin Monks. There is so much to see and do, and I hope South Australians love the program as much as I do."

For more on OzAsia visit: https://www.ozasiafestival.com.au/