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By: Lisa Cook
The coastal city of Albany is set to shine brighter than ever before, as it hosts what’s expected to be the largest outdoor light installation on Earth.
Over three weekends in March 2026, Albany's coastline and iconic landmarks will be illuminated for Lighting the Sound – a breathtaking, open-air light experience celebrating connection, reconciliation and the region’s deep cultural history.
Presented by FORM and produced by world-renowned Finnish light artist Kari Kola, the project has been co-designed and led by Menang Elders and the Albany community.
All eyes will be on King George Sound, Menang Koort, during the event, as the installation transforms the landforms and ocean around one of WA’s most spectacular harbours.
Kari Kola, known for his large-scale light works in Ireland’s Connemara Mountains and at Stonehenge in the UK, will debut his first Australian installation with a project of unseen scale and ambition.
His concept, “Roots of the Sky,” draws inspiration from the Menang (Bloodroot) plant, of which the region’s First Nations peoples are named, and entwines themes of reconciliation, connection and intergenerational storytelling.
Lighting the Sound will mark the beginning of Albany 2026 — a year-long event commemorating WA's bicentenary.
This once-in-a-lifetime event is free to attend and visible from key vantage points around Albany. With accommodation already booking fast, plan ahead to make the most of your road trip to the Great Southern region.
Event details
Date | 13-15 March 2026 20-22 March 2026 27-29 March 2026 |
Time | From sunset |
Location | Albany, Western Australia - visible from key locations around the city |
Cost | Free |
More information |
Image credit: Christopher Lund and Janne Laukkanens
