A CELEBRATION of community, culture and connection will brighten up Raymond Terrace this May, through a captivating display of fire and light, with a finale of fireworks.

The outdoor event, Illuminate Raymond Terrace, will be held on Friday 26 May at Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace, bringing families and new residents together with a focus on inclusion, culture, diversity and belonging.

Mayor Ryan Palmer said that Illuminate Raymond Terrace will offer a varied and dynamic program of events that the whole family can enjoy.

“We’re proud to have curated an impactful collection of elements of fire and light with activities for people of all ages – from the ‘Toasted’ silent disco zone and the giant illuminated spaceship, to karaoke, live music, food trucks and fireworks – you really can’t miss it,” Mayor Palmer said.

“Those who’ve lived in Raymond Terrace for a while will remember how Illuminate Boomerang Park brought our community together through lantern making that explored our history – this is a brighter, exciting extension of that celebration.

“With the celebration of culture and diversity, Illuminate Raymond Terrace is the perfect opportunity for us to welcome our newest citizens into our community.

“Each year, we welcome an average of 34 new citizens to Port Stephens and I’m thrilled that after this next ceremony, our new residents can mingle with their new community in a fun and memorable way,” Mr Palmer added.

Following a citizenship ceremony at 4pm, the community can get creative and make their own lantern, experience a special community parade and be awed by fire twirlers, roving artists and much more.

“We’re so thankful that funding from NSW Multicultural is helping our newest residents have a truly magical welcome to our community, creating a sense of belonging and inclusivity – while also increasing vibrancy to the town centre of Raymond Terrace,” Mayor Palmer said.

Fire flames lining the pathway along the iconic river will lead festival goers through an array of attractions like face painting, live music, lantern making, a sideshow alley, roving fire twirlers and performers, all the way to a giant illuminated spaceship hosting a DJ for the silent disco.

The evening will conclude with a spectacular display of fireworks at 9pm.

Illuminate Raymond Terrace will take place from 5pm on Friday 26 May 2023, and is a free event made possible by funding from the NSW Government.

Port Stephens Council was successful in securing 2 individual grants to support 3 major events across Port Stephens in 2023. Council secured $311,000 from NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW event fund, and $100,000 from Multicultural NSW. Illuminate is the second event, with the final event, bimay bunaga, being held in August.

Read more about the event at pscouncil.info/illuminate-raymond-terrace