Glen Innes Severn Council has secured $350,000 through the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program 2025–2028 to support a major expansion of its annual Christmas in the Highlands event over the next three years.

The funding will enable the launch of a new initiative, Illuminations 2025–2028, which will introduce a light and art trail, creative installations, live music, public art and family-friendly entertainment across the Glen Innes town centre.

The first event under the new program will launch on Saturday, 29 November 2025, coinciding with the council’s existing Christmas in the Highlands markets. While the markets remain a central feature, the launch of Illuminations will significantly expand the program, extending activity from a Friday evening to a Saturday event and activating two blocks of Grey Street and surrounding side streets through to King Edward Park.

Unlike previous years, the event will include a broader footprint, day and night activations, and additional programming. The council will work closely with local businesses, artists, schools and community groups to co-design and deliver elements of the trail and activities, celebrating the region’s creative talent and community identity through workshops and creative engagement.

The expanded event series aims to boost local participation, draw more visitors into the town centre, and create opportunities for extended trade and collaboration.

Mayor Margot Davis said, “The Illuminations 2025–2028 program is in addition to Council’s existing Christmas budget. This extra funding allows us to build on the success of Christmas in the Highlands and create something that reflects who we are as a community.”

“By working with local creatives, businesses and community groups, we can deliver a festive experience that truly belongs to Glen Innes,” Cr Davis said.

Minister for Transport, Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham, said, “We’re backing Glen Innes Severn Council to make Christmas in the Highlands bigger and better than ever with this fantastic new event.”

“The NSW Government is proud to provide $350,000 in funding under the Open Streets Program to support Illuminations 2025–2028.”

The NSW Government’s Open Streets Program supports initiatives that temporarily close streets to vehicles and open them for people, encouraging creative place activation, stronger community connection, and local economic benefits.

Key elements of the light and art trail will remain in place throughout the summer school holidays, offering locals and visitors an extended celebratory experience and encouraging visitors to see the activations throughout December and early January.

In line with this, Glen Innes Severn Council is inviting local artists, schools and community groups to help light up the Glen Innes town centre this festive season as part of the Christmas in the Highlands – Art Trail.

Sixteen digital artworks will be selected to feature on large-format street banners displayed down Grey Street.

With the theme “What does Glen Innes at Christmas mean to you?”, participants are encouraged to
reflect on the season through the lens of the unique highland identity, Celtic heritage, natural
landscapes, community pride, and festive spirit.

Cr Davis said, “This is a chance for our community to help create something magical,
personal, and proudly local.”

“We’re excited to see how local creatives and community groups bring this trail to life, and we
encourage entries from across the local government area,” she said.

Artworks must be submitted in print-ready, high-resolution digital format by 4.30pm on Friday, 22
August 2025.

Entries will be judged by the Glen Innes Public Arts Advisory Committee in September, with selected artists to be notified in October. The banners will remain on display until 11 January 2026, forming a vibrant, walkable art trail that celebrates the talent and festive spirit of the Glen Innes Severn community.

Illuminations 2025–2028 is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. To learn more about the program, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/openstreets