The historic port city of Albany is preparing for a luminous celebration of its 200th anniversary, with plans for a monumental light installation set to bathe its iconic landscapes in colour and meaning. Titled Lighting the Sound, the event will transform the hills and headlands of King George Sound over three weekends in March 2026, promising an Australian-first spectacle.
A Canvas of Light and Legacy
Spearheaded by renowned Finnish light artist Kari Kola and presented by FORM – the Western Australian arts body known for the Giants of Mandurah – the project is poised to be the largest outdoor light installation of its kind ever staged in the country. The artwork will utilise over 750 LED lights spread across 12 kilometres of the Vancouver Peninsula within Torndirrup National Park.
Adding to the drama, 15 powerful 'Ayrton Mamba' red pencil beams will project skywards like luminous towers, creating a visible landmark from across the region. The installation is deeply rooted in local Indigenous heritage, having been co-designed and led by Menang Elders.
"Rooted in the wisdom of the Menang (or Bloodroot) plant, from which the region’s First Nations people take their name, this community-owned initiative celebrates tens of thousands of years of unbroken connection," a FORM statement explained. "This Australian-first project honours a history that extends far beyond 200 years."
Global Artist, Local Story
Kari Kola, whose past works have illuminated global icons like the Eiffel Tower and Stonehenge, describes light as a powerful tool to focus attention on the land and its stories. For Albany, he aims to weave the rich Aboriginal history of the area into a visual experience that inspires both reflection and wonder.
"This project is deeply rooted in Albany’s unique story and cannot be replicated anywhere else," Mr Kola said. "The landscape, with its water and vast horizons, provides the perfect canvas for a panoramic experience that connects the land to the cosmos. My hope is that visitors will leave with a sense of peace and a lasting memory."
Economic and Cultural Impact for the Great Southern
The event is expected to draw significant crowds, with an estimated 50,000 visitors anticipated to travel to the Great Southern region. The lights will be active for approximately four hours each evening on the weekends of March 13-15, 20-22, and 27-29, 2026.
Prime public viewing spots will include the ANZAC Peace Park, the Albany Town Centre, and vantage points along Princess Royal Harbour. FORM CEO Tabitha McMullan believes the show will cast a global spotlight on WA's south coast.
"This is an opportunity to showcase Albany’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage on the world stage," Ms McMullan stated. "Beyond the immediate spectacle, Lighting the Sound will leave a lasting legacy, fostering cultural tourism and inspiring future creative endeavours in Western Australia."
The event stands as a profound marker of Albany's bicentenary, using cutting-edge art to honour ancient connections and promising to be a dazzling highlight on the state's cultural calendar.
