Albany 2026: Albany community invited to create lanterns for bicentenary’s ‘grand finale’ Carrying the Fire

Invitations are open to the Albany community to be part of the grand finale of Albany 2026, with Southern Edge Arts encouraging everyone to get involved in large-scale performance Carrying the Fire.

Carrying the Fire is set to be a one of the largest performance gatherings ever brought together in WA, and will be undertaken by thousands of regular Albany residents.

Participants are invited to carry a handmade lamp along Middleton Beach in a kilometres-long procession that will create a river of light along an iconic part of Albany’s coastline.

Lantern-bearers will pause along the way for the event to be captured from above, becoming part of what the City of Albany called an “enormous, ephemeral artwork” that will be shared with audiences interstate and internationally.

Southern Edge Arts labelled the project a “truly memorable tribute to Albany’s stunning landscapes and its vibrant people”, and a moment to walk together and reflect on history and hopes for the future.

Ahead of the huge event in November, which is a collaboration between Southern Edge Arts and the team behind Lighting the Sound FORM Building a State of Creativity, community clubs and organisations are being invited to host free lantern-making workshops.

Schools, community groups, businesses and sporting clubs can register their interest to host a workshop led by a team of artists.

In the workshops, participants will build their own personalised lantern to carry during the Carrying the Fire performance in November.

SEA’s artistic director Annette Carmichael said the workshops could be adapted to suit all ages and abilities.

“Our team of artists will facilitate an inspiring experience for groups of up to 30 people,” she said.

“Local artists have designed a range of lanterns that are inspired by our stunning natural world and celebrate the resilient banksia, the regenerative sea star, the warmth of a kornt (home) and the spiritual Moodja (Christmas) flower.

“There are simple designs for children and more intricate designs for those that want a challenge.”

Local artists, art teachers and community leaders can also register to undertake a professional development workshop, which will equip them to lead their own lantern-making workshops so more groups can be part of the final event.

Albany 2026 co-ordinator Adam Gregory said Carrying the Fire was an opportunity for residents and visitors to Albany to be involved in one of the bicentenary program’s biggest and most ambitious events.

“This is an invitation for the whole community to take part in something truly special,” he said.

“Through these workshops, people can create their own lantern, walk alongside others and quite literally become part of the artwork.

“It’s about coming together and looking ahead, as one community.”