Illuminate Adelaide installation to spotlight Murray River recovery efforts

The much anticipated regional installation of Illuminate Adelaide - 'River Lights' - which commences in Mannum this Friday, will spotlight the recovery efforts of Murray River communities, local businesses and tourism operators.

The event, which will run over 10 days including two weekends from 4th-13th August, aims to draw visitors to the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong, providing further support to local businesses and tourism operators recovering from the impacts of the once-in-a-century flooding event.

Spanning the riverfront at Mannum, visitors will be able to take in this celebration of art, music, technology and invention at six locations including the Pretoria Hotel, Mannum Hotel, and Mannum Club.

River Lights is an initiative supported by the State Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission, in partnership with the Mid-Murray Council and award-winning artists, with the aim to encourage locals and visitors to 'rise up' for the mighty Murray River this winter.

The regional activation will further bolster flood recovery efforts including the SATC's River Revival Vouchers program, while also giving voucher holders another reason to book.

Round one of the voucher program injected an estimated $3.1 million in total economic impact into the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong and Riverland visitor economies.

Round two is currently underway, with the value of bookings generated in just the first part of the booking period already reaching more than $4.1 million for businesses across the Murray River regions.

SA Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said supporting the state's river communities following the once-in-a-century-flood event continues to be of utmost importance.

"Tourism operators, houseboat operators and other local businesses missed out on the all-important summer trading this year, so it's crucial we continue to show them our support by visiting.

"We know the regional installations of Illuminate have done wonders for local economies, drawing thousands of people out to the Limestone Coast and Fleurieu Peninsula during the COVID-recovery phase.

"We now set our sights to River Lights to help drive river recovery efforts, and I encourage everyone to take in the breath-taking wonder of our river at night and this amazing installation by the Illuminate Adelaide team."

Illuiminate Adelaide Co-Founders and Creative Directors, Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge said they are looking forward to transforming and illuminating Mannum's main township and riverfront for River Lights.

"We're delighted by the excited anticipation from locals, businesses and the general community," Azzopardi and Cumberlidge shared.

"We urge everyone to rug up and wander the trail through Mannum and support the Murray River this winter."

Mid Murray Council Mayor, Simone Bailey said the Mid Murray Council is looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to Mannum and the region for Illuminate Adelaide's River Lights regional installation.

"This means a lot to our community, especially this year, as it will provide a much-needed boost to local businesses who've been doing it tough as a result of the extended and significant River Murray flooding," Mayor Bailey added.

"Mid Murray Council is proud to host River Lights; come and see the beauty of our majestic river at night as the Illuminate Adelaide team weave their magic.

"The Murray River, Lakes & Coorong is a stunning place to visit and has so much to offer from water to wine to our international dark sky reserve, come and see it for yourself!"

River Lights
Friday 4th August to Sunday 13th August
Nightly, 6-10pm
Mannum Main Street - Randell St, Mannum

For event details visit: illuminateadelaide.com.