Bundaberg Pageant of Lights

BOURBONG Street was lined with thousands of revellers last night, as the rubber met the road at the 2018 Pageant of Lights.

With around 70 floats on display, there was no shortage of costumes, tinsel, lights, or even live music. Marching bands let it rip, with tinsel wrapped around their instruments, as other musicians waxed lyrical from the back of their floats.

IWC was no exception, Taribelang man and Traditional owner, Byron Broome, playing his light-bedecked didgeridoo under a Aussie bush-style Christmas tree on the back of the float. Behind him, IWC supporters of all ages and backgrounds waved and shouted ‘Merry Christmas’ to the crowd.

All around were IWC butterflies, handing out more than 600 miniature butterflies to spectators, not to mention thousands of high fives.

Greg Jackson, one of the men who volunteered his time on the night (and dress up as an IWC butterfly) said he was touched by the enthusiasm and variety on display.  

“We had great involvement with the community. Mums and dads and the families were all giving low fives and high fives as we went past. It was a time of Christmas spirit for us all! There were so many different cultures in the crowd…all different sorts,” he said.

“It was very uplifting.”

Spokesman for the IWC NDIS LAC team, Alasdair Young, said it was particularly encouraging to see people of all abilities in the crowd and the parade.

“We saw participants, carers, service providers, all taking part as either spectators or contenders in the Pageant. We saw plenty of unique costumes and even a few decorated wheelchairs. It was a great variety, and I think Bundaberg’s showed its true colours last night,” he said.

The Pageant of Lights is held each year, and runs the course of Bourbong Street, with a prize for the best float.

We hope to see you at the next Pageant in 2019!