An illuminating experience like no other!
For four nights over Easter Weekend 6-9 April 2023, HighLight transforms Brewtown, Upper Hutt into a spectacular carnival of lights for all ages.
Nothing will be quite as it seems! Follow the twists and turns as you journey through Brewtown in an entirely new way.
Be immersed in illuminated colour and light installations, live performances, fire and light show, interactive activities and more.
Tickets:
Adults (15+) $10.00 if purchased online
Adults (15+) $15.00 if purchased at the gate
Under 15 years are free
In preparation for a great night out at HighLight: Carnival of Lights, here is some useful information that will make your experience one to remember.
KEY EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 6th, Good Friday 7th, Saturday 8th, and Sunday 9th April 2023
The Carnival hub is at Brewtown, Upper Hutt with activations popping up throughout Upper Hutt Central
Event timing
6:30pm Gates open
6:30pm Food trucks open and face painting open
6:45pm Entertainment begins on main stage
7:15pm Family show on main stage
7pm Lights on throughout site
8pm, 9pm and 10pm Fire and Light Shows
10:30pm Lights off - Event finish
GETTING TO HIGHLIGHT
ENTRY
The main entrance is via Railway Avenue, which will be closed to vehicles.
PARKING
There are plenty of carparks at Upper Hutt Station, or throughout the CBD, which will have you a short walk from HighLight. Don’t forget to take in the free light displays in the CBD and Orongomai Marae on your way to or as you leave HighLight. We ask that you don’t park at Brewtown due to limited availability.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Check the Metlink timetables for buses and trains. These run regularly to Upper Hutt Station which is a short walk from our entry via Railway Ave. Trains are operating from Petone, with Train Replacements running from Wellington.
Check out our website for a handy Google map https://highlight.org.nz/getting-here/
ONCE YOU ARRIVE
Make sure you come via Railway Ave, and allow plenty of time to get into the Carnival Hub at Brewtown.
Our ticket scanners will get you through as quickly as they can. Make sure you have your tickets ready on your screen or your printouts out when approaching the scanners. Remember, your ticket is valid for one entry on any one night.
Check out the installations, site map and more on our website https://highlight.org.nz/installations/
Please note: It’s been wet and today it was very muddy onsite. We’ll start posting weather and site accessibility updates on our website and social media, so make sure to give us a follow on Facebook.
TO BRING AND NOT BRING
The weather hasn’t been that flash lately, so it’s a bit wet and muddy underfoot. Wear appropriate footwear and comfortable clothes. Please don’t bring an umbrella as they block other people’s views and unintentionally become a head height hazard.
Bring the kids!! Kids under 15 are free and don’t require a ticket.
And don’t forget to grab some cash for face painting or to donate to the Autism NZ bucket collectors who will be wandering around the event.
For what you can and can’t take into the event please refer to the website for the list of things we ask you not to bring https://highlight.org.nz/terms-of-entry/
INSTALLATIONS AND PERFORMANCES
Share your pictures with us! Submit your snaps using the QR codes you see onsite or via the link on our website and go into the draw to win one of five Monterey Cinema Prize Packs
Caution: This show may not be suitable for some people. Some lighting is used at this show that may be disruptive to people who are sensitive to light.
Check the Main Stage timetable and more on our website https://highlight.org.nz/installations/
BREWTOWN
Brewtown is a beer-lovers dream with numerous craft breweries, a distillery and plenty of big-kid activities.
They're serving up award-winning craft beer and food matches to satisfy any appetite, so come on down! Entry during the day is via the usual gate, with limited day parking under the newly built canopy and near the activities.
We encourage you to check out the amazing businesses located at Brewtown. Hit them up before your visit HighLight, but check with them directly for their opening hours or book in to avoid disappointment.
A second gate to HighLight will be located outside Get Fixed Café so you can easily get from Brewtown breweries and activities into the Carnival Hub.
Find more info on our website https://highlight.org.nz/eat-drink-and-play/
EAT, DRINK AND PLAY
Whether you’re a seasoned carnival-goer or a first-timer, there is always something magical about the bright lights, the delicious food, and the endless entertainment that’s on offer throughout the Carnival Hub at Brewtown and throughout the Upper Hutt CBD.
So, grab a snack, sit back, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of HighLight!
There are free installations to see in CBD so be sure to pop past them on your way to or from the Carnival Hub at Brewtown, running the same hours as HighLight including:
80s Cube outside Whirinaki Whare Taonga
Digital Coconuts on Geange St
Neon Ropes by the Council Building
And Jungle Way outside the Library
Ōrongomai Marae experience
Free Glowga (glow in the dark yoga) at Whirinaki Whare Taonga on Thursday 6th from 4-5pm
Plus roving entertainment with thanks to Upper Hutt City Council
Come hungry and enjoy an early dinner in Upper Hutt CBD, or check out the array of great options available at Brewtown or the selection of food trucks onsite at HighLight, including burgers, Indonesian, Greek … and maybe even some glow in the dark candy floss!
Meal Deal - spend $50 at Fermented from 6-9 April and get one free ticket to HighLight
Our friends at Sweet Axe Throwing are running special ‘Glow Throw’ sessions, be sure to book ahead though door sales are also available - Glow-Throw Upper Hutt - SWEET AXE (sweetaxethrow.com)
Bring a cash koha for face painting, which will be located near UV Spaghetti!
Find more info on our website https://highlight.org.nz/eat-drink-and-play/
AUTISM NZ – OUR CHARITY PARTNER
We’ve partnered with Autism NZ to raise awareness and funds for their work. Autism is a condition that affects many people in New Zealand and can lead to a different way of seeing the world and interacting with others. Autism NZ delivers educational programs to increase understanding of autism and helps people find the supports and services they need. Donations are encouraged to support their work.
Make sure to bring along a donation to give to the bucket collectors onsite.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
We couldn't have done it without them! A huge thank you to all our amazing sponsors, funders, and partners for helping to make HighLight: Carnival of Lights such a unique and memorable event.
We encourage you to show your support for these incredible organisations and businesses. Without them, HighLight would not have been possible. So please join us in thanking Upper Hutt City Council, Gillies Group and Brewtown Upper Hutt, Pelorus Trust, Streamliner Productions and Late Night Lights Trust, EmbroidMe Wellington CBD, Grouse Lighting Aotearoa, Go Media, Low Cost Bins, Stuff, Sign Foundry, Hiremaster, MediaWorks New Zealand, Real Steel Ltd, Blackjet, Monterey Cinemas Upper Hutt, Men at Work Traffic Management, Quality Demolition and Contracting Ltd, Silverstream Bakery, Hell Pizza, and Cactus Events for their amazing support.