Spotlight: TSB Festival of Lights Returning Summer 26 / 27 - Expressions of Interest Open

Illuminating the verdant pathways of Pukekura Park in Ngāmotu New Plymouth with colour and sound magic, the wheels are already in motion for TSB Festival of Lights to return this summer. Presenting an imaginative array of light sculptures created at dazzling scale by artists and design groups from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand — be gobsmacked by 2025's offerings HERE — the free and all-ages annual Taranaki arts festival also traditionally hosts a smorgasbord of musical performances, outdoor cinema, kids, seniors and special events on the Fred Parker and Hatchery lawn stages.

Bridging sunny months from late 2026 to early 2027, Expressions of Interest are currently now open for both Entertainment and Lighting Installations for the upcoming five week festival. Entertainment proposals of all kinds are encouraged, "including live music, roaming acts, children’s and seniors' entertainment, and any creative ideas you’d like us to consider." Last year's musical bill included such crowd favourites as Racing, People of the Sun, Caravãna Sun, Lost Tribe Aotearoa, Mazbou Q and Flamingo Pier.

While specific dates are yet to be revealed, the time is ripe for keen beans to get involved and for out of town attendees to start making travel plans. Here's the official lowdown, click through for details...

"Set in the deep green surrounds of Pukekura Park, the TSB Festival of Lights fuses arts, community and nature for five weeks of glowing summer evenings in the heart of Taranaki.

Free to the public, the TSB Festival of Lights is New Zealand’s favourite, and longest-running light festival.

The festival features lighting installations sourced from all over NZ and the world lighting up the park, a stacked lineup of local and national music acts, and a vibrant schedule of family-friendly entertainment including Festival Kids, a huge New Year's Eve event, and outdoor cinema – light up your nights this summer!

TSB Festival of Lights is proudly produced by New Plymouth District Council with the support of our sponsors.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the 2026-2027 season."

TSB Festival of Lights - Summer 2026 / 2027
Pukekura Park, Ngāmotu New Plymouth

Expressions of Interest are now open for Lighting Installations and Entertainment for the 2026/27 TSB Festival of Lights season
Submit your application using the form links below

Lighting Installations Applications
Close 5pm, Monday 25th May 2026
For more information about Light Installations, click HERE

Entertainment Applications
Close 5pm, Friday 10th July 2026

Here's Ngāmotu futurist Frau Knotz DJing the closing night of the TSB Festival of Lights 2024, opening for Beacon Bloom...

Check out a tantalising teaser clip for TSB Festival of Lights - Summer 23/24...