- By Bianca Day, AUT journalism student
Howick Historical Village transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland for its inaugural ‘Winter Lights Festival’.
Proudly sponsored by The Fairy Light Shop, the event saw a stunning variety of fairy lights illuminate across the entire seven acres of the village.
Visitors were treated to performances from local band The Flaming Mudcats, who provided lively entertainment throughout the evening.
Food trucks offered guests a variety of delicious winter treats, including mulled wine to warm the chilly night.
The village’s heritage advisor, Marin Burgess, says history is a very important part of Howick.
“An event like this is really special for the village,” she says.
“Our aim as a historical site is to inform people about the history and the heritage of Howick, so it’s great for us to have such a good turnout.”
Burgess also praised the collaborative efforts of the village’s volunteers, who helped make the event possible.
“Our small maintenance crew worked tirelessly to put up all these lights, even working through the rain. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
Marketing director Annaliese Lines says she was “thrilled” with the event’s success.
“We had around 1600 total admissions for the night, which was absolutely incredible.”
Lines highlighted how Howick Historical Village has seen more visitors in the past three years than in the past 10.
“We are a very small team of mostly volunteers, so to have this kind of success is incredible.”
Anyone who missed out on the Winter Lights Festival this time needn’t worry.
Howick Historical Village is keeping its doors open late on Saturday, June 22, and Friday, June 28, for a second chance to see the village lit up after dark.
