Hamilton's biggest ever light show celebrates Bridge centenary

When the Victoria Bridge turns 100 on Saturday 16 of October, residents from across the city are invited to join in the celebration by watching the biggest light show ever to be staged in the city.
Event co-ordinator Lisa Pemberton says, “Hamilton is known for it’s bridges and the Victoria Bridge in Particular has played an extraordinary role in making the city what it is today. At different times in history it has united rival settlements, been front page news, saved residents from the perils of the punt, boosted trade and economic development, and been the home of the city’s first ever toll-booth library.
“Hamilton has a really rich history that a lot of people don’t know about. Take the Waikato Draught brewery for example, how many people know it was a woman – Mary Innes – who made it the success it is today? Victoria Bridge is at the heart of a lot of that history so it makes sense that the whole city should celebrate it turning 100.”
Victoria Bridge Centenary celebrations will be held throughout the afternoon and evening on Saturday 16 October. From 8pm at Memorial Park, the first ever viewing of Hamilton – The Movie will take place leading into the launch of Hamilton’s biggest ever light show - a large-scale public art installation set to ‘paint’ the full breadth of Victoria Bridge with interactive lighting designs.
Earlier in the day families will be treated to a festival-type atmosphere with a parade of cars through time starting from Knox Street at 4pm and proceeding over the Bridge to Memorial Park. A range of free family fun will be on offer in Memorial Park at this time, including clydesdale rides, vintage car rides, Penny Farthings, bands through the ages and lots of family fun activities.
Bronze profiles of two of Hamilton’s most interesting and successful identities will also be revealed on the Bridge on the day.
Without sponsors Perry Foundation, Gallagher Trust, Mighty River Power, Hamilton, Opus International Consultants, Downer, Waikato Security Services, Traffic Management NZ and Hamilton East Community Trust this community event would not have been possible.
“Whether you’re bringing the kids down for the parade and family fun or dropping in to check out the big lights and find out Hamilton’s secrets on film, we’re encouraging everyone to come on down throughout the day. Festivities run from 4-9.30pm so there’s definitely something to suit everyone,” Ms Pemberton says.
For the full event programme visit www.hamilton.co.nz/victoriabridgeturns100