Exmouth to light up thanks to Lotterywest

Published on Monday, 20 February 2023 at 9:00:00 AM

Being delivered by Mellen Events and We are Gather, a total of $103,240 in funding secured by the Shire of Exmouth from Lotterywest has helped to deliver impressive program elements for the event surrounding the Total Solar Eclipse. This will include the First Light Drone Show and Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s String Symphony.  


Unlike anything ever seen in Exmouth, the First Light Drone Show will see a fleet of nearly 200 drones fill the sky in a mesmerising show using 3D animation techniques alongside a cinematic soundscape at the re-developed Town Beach Foreshore. The performance will feature cultural story-telling by Traditional Owners, Aboriginal music and dancing to share ancient stories of place.

The program line-up for the Total Solar Eclipse’s Dark Sky Festival is extremely exciting, and we’re looking forward to how many memories are going to be made at this unforgettable event in the region. It’s amazing that we’ve been able to bring our community along on this journey and get them involved in volunteering and delivering something that will go down in Exmouth’s history."

Shire President Darlene Allston

As part of the Ningaloo Eclipse, the Shire is presenting a number of free, accessible and inclusive community activities and events that will form part of the Dark Sky Festival. The event also promotes access to STEM education and cultural activities of a calibre that would otherwise be difficult to experience in a remote community.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s String Symphony is a unique large-scale, interactive performance installation that uses puppetry to explore connection, community and collaboration. The sculptural work has been created by Australia’s renowned puppetry company, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, with designer and puppet maker Leon Hendroff.

Remote regional communities can often miss out on art and cultural programs of such high calibre, so we extend our sincere thanks to Lotterywest and all those who support Lotterywest, for adding to Exmouth’s once-in-a-lifetime event. The Shire is looking forward to working with the local community and Lotterywest to foster future event opportunities and bring many more of this scale to Exmouth and the region."

Shire President Darlene Allston

The First Light Drone Show will take place on Thursday, 20 April 2023, at 8pm on Town Beach for free.

String Symphony will perform three times a day over three days at Federation Park alongside numerous other free educational and recreational events.

The Shire has been working closely with Tourism Western Australia and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) to deliver an unforgettable experience for event-goers.

More information regarding the Dark Sky Festival line-up is available at the Shire’s website at www.exmouth.wa.gov.au/eclipse

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