Tens of thousands are expected to visit EA Networks Glow in the Park in the Ashburton Domain this weekend.
The district council three-night event – starting tonight – will see the domain gardens bathed in special effect lighting and novelty displays.
They will include new attractions of an Eiffel Tower, LED butterfly swing and jungle zone.
There will also be the biggest range yet of food vendors, and new rides and activities in the amusement zone.
Group manager compliance and development Ian Hyde said investment had seen beneficial returns in previous years.
He said Glow 2024 cost $142,000, with $23,000 contributed from the district council’s event budget. Based on Infometrics’ calculator for events, the total economic impact was estimated to be an additional $1,971,420.
‘‘In simple terms, for every $1 invested in the 2024 event, approximately $13.86 was returned to the local economy’s GDP,’’ Hyde said.
The cost for this year was just over $230,000, with about $41,000 contributed from the district council’s event budget. The event was made possible due to generous support from sponsors and media partners.
‘‘We believe Glow provides an excellent return on investment, while also providing our community with an exciting, free winter event and giving us the opportunity to showcase the district.’’
Entry is free, and free attractions include UV face painting, glow-inthe-dark temporary tattoos, roaming fire-breather, The Hits Silent Disco and Hokonui Bubble Boogie.
The first Glow in the Park was planned in partnership with EA Networks at Ashburton Domain in 2021 to celebrate 100 years of electricity in Mid Canterbury, but postponed due to the pandemic. It went ahead at Tinwald Domain in 2022 and moved to the domain last year.
– EA Networks Glow in the Park open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 3pm to 9.30pm. The first two hours each day are low-sensory. Free entry.
