Up to 2,000 South Australians from all cultures and walks of life will come together in the spirit of diversity and inclusion as part of Aus Lights on the River 2025 on January 26.
Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama will be brought to life with more than 60 community and volunteer organisations participating in the Respecting Country Parade as a part of the event.
Expect a dynamic, free community event where families, couples and friends can watch the spectacle unfold across Elder Park from the comfort of their picnic blanket to toe-tapping to the beats of various performances.
At 7pm, the Respecting Country Parade will commence, with 2,000 South Australians in traditional costume walking in unison from Adelaide Oval, across the River Torrens Footbridge and into Elder Park.
Following the parade, a call and response drumming performance by various community groups, including the Burundian Drummers Association, will kick off the evening’s official event of performers on stage from 8pm, including iconic singer/songwriter John Schumann, accompanied by the Adelaide Youth Orchestra.
The grand finale will see a fireworks display shoot over the River Torrens and light up the sky at 9.30pm.
The festivities will illuminate the riverbank, while diverse stories are shared and culture is celebrated. Last year’s event saw over 30,000 South Australians unite to acknowledge the country’s rich history.
Presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia, Aus Lights on the River 2025 will transform Elder Park into a hub of celebration for young and old, with a dedicated children’s program of arts and crafts running from 5pm.
Attendees can anticipate stunning projections of iconic South Australian artist Peter Drew’s AUSSIE artworks on the Elder Park Rotunda. These projections are designed to be thought-provoking, encouraging reflection and fostering connection.
Evening entertainment will feature the Adelaide Youth Orchestra and cappella singers, the Festival Statesmen Chorus, to showcase the best the state has to offer on the big stage.
Australia Day Council of South Australia CEO Jan Chorley unveiled the 2025 program this month, highlighting the Council’s mission to unite communities and honour shared values.
“We’re excited to offer free, inclusive events designed to promote connection and community spirit,” Ms Chorley says. “By celebrating our First Nations peoples, embracing multiculturalism, and honouring local heroes like our first responders, we aim to create a space that reflects our collective values of respect and inclusiveness.”
“The Aus Lights on the River program enables us to reflect on this great land and its peoples, starting with the oldest living cultures, our First Nations, to our most recent arrivals, the refugees who call Australia home,” Ms Chorley says.
For the first time, Aus Lights on the River aligns with the Santos Tour Down Under Final Stage Presentation, bringing cycling enthusiasts into the fold of festivities. The world-class cyclists will be congratulated at the presentation stage in Elder Park at 3:45pm, before Aus Lights on the River commences at 5pm.
The Food Hub will host local vendors as they serve up a delicious fusion of international cuisine. The Food Hub kicks off at 7:30am with freshly brewed coffee to fuel your day. From 10am to 4pm, Tour Down Under visitors can grab a bite, and the feast continues from 5pm to 11pm as part of the Aus Lights on the River festivities.
Evelyn Roth’s story space with bushland and marine creatures will exhibit Australia’s unique biodiversity with a special area hosting supersized inflatables. An echidna, bilby, shark, platypus, and Ruby Roo will all make an appearance – it’s great for the kids!
Spectacular reflections on the river will be a part of the Aus Lights on the River Illuminated Country display. It will be a profound spectacle inviting attendees to take a moment to reflect, acknowledge and engage with the stories of Australia’s history.
At 9:30pm, fireworks coordinated by the creative team at Howard and Sons will light up the sky above Adelaide in a delightful finale to the festivities.
Here’s the full program:
- Aus Lights on the River – 5pm to 11 pm
- Respecting Country Parade – 7pm to 8 pm
- Evening event – 8pm to 9pm
- Fireworks display – 9:30pm
Fireworks, community, and a spirit of respect and joy will illuminate the night. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable free, community event celebrating culture, connection, and shared stories.
AUS LIGHTS ON THE RIVER 2025 – FREE EVENT
Where: Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama, Adelaide
When: Sunday, 26th January 2025, 5pm to 11 pm
For all the info and the full program, click here.
Aus Lights on the River 2025 is assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and the City the Adelaide and is supported the Government of South Australia.
Respecting Country Parade sponsors are Adelaide PHN, Credit Union SA.
Official Ceremony sponsor is Green Gold Energy.
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