Let’s set the scene: it’s a time when carts were bogged in Hindley Street, a time when the debt collectors took the chair from under the Lord Mayor’s backside, and a time of all-powerful Governors and a squabbling Council.
Charting the fall – and rise – of Adelaide City Council, the 2010 Colonel Light Ceremony will today play out the period of time in our civic history that saw Adelaide City Council struggle for survival between 1843 and 1853.
Radio favourite Peter Goers will play the ghost of Colonel Light, while a group of talented young acting graduates from the Adelaide College of the Arts will take on the roles of spirits, Mayors and Governors.
Brian Gilbertson, artistic director of the much-loved Christmas Pageant, is the mind behind this year’s creative performance. With extravagant period costumes, witty script by Erik Chmielewski, and a keyboard accompaniment, this comedy is set to be a memorable journey into our civic history.
The Ceremony has been held annually in Light Square to celebrate the achievements of Colonel William Light, South Australia’s first Surveyor-General and founder of the City of Adelaide. This year marks the 151st anniversary of the Colonel Light Ceremony, which will depict the most turbulent decade of Adelaide City Council.
This annual ceremony arises from a Council resolution dating back to 1859, when Colonel Light’s friends presented the Loving Cup to Adelaide City Council, and asked that they “gather each year to toast Light’s health with South Australian wine”.
Lord Mayor Michael Harbison will play himself as he introduces Australia’s first municipal Council in the year of 1842.
“The Colonel Light Ceremony is one of my favourite annual events. It always promises to entertain, amuse and inform the audience, and this year’s should be a very special performance,” said the Lord Mayor.
“I invite everyone to come join in the celebration, raise their glasses of port and toast Adelaide City Council, past and present!”
The Colonel Light Ceremony 2010 takes place in Light Square today between 10:30am and 12:30pm. The event is free, and everyone is encouraged to head to the Square to enjoy the show.
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