Hunter Valley: Christmas lights draw revellers despite coronavirus restrictions
The Christmas Lights Spectacular looks a little different this year, but coronavirus concerns haven’t kept families away.
Newcastle
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Three million lights have been bright enough to draw crowds to the Hunter Valley, despite concerns over coronavirus.
Thousands of families have already visited the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular since it opened at the beginning of the month.
The event runs every year over the Christmas period, and claims to be the biggest lights display in the southern hemisphere.
Hunter Valley Gardens marketing manager Kim Jacobs said November attendance had been strong.
“While Friday and Saturday nights have been quite busy, mid week is much quieter, but we are expecting that to pick up as we move in to December,” Ms Jacobs said.
“Although we have made some changes this year, the majority of people are very receptive to attending events and we are seeing an increase in return visitors that attended the event years ago and are now coming back with their children.”
The venue last week boosted capacity for the nightly event from 500 to 5000 people, in line with changes to statewide restrictions.
General manager Srinivas Gopal said the change allowed the event to feel more like previous years.
“We are so pleased the restrictions have been lifted so that many more people will be able to enjoy this special time with us,” he said.
“It has been an equally tough year for us in the tourism and hospitality sector, so we’re delighted that this gives us leeway to make up for some of the lost time over the year.”
Like everything else in 2020, the event will be a little different to usual.
Attendees must pre-purchase tickets and register their details using a QR code at the gate.
“Our rides, attractions and lights are back with some amendments and carefully thought out COVID-safe measures in place to ensure everyone can attend safely and finish off the year with cherished memories,” Mr Gopal said.
“There is also ample space to ensure guests can adhere to strict social distancing rules, and there will be sanitation measures in place consistently, to maintain high levels of hygiene.”
Mr Gopal said new and immersive displays were hoped to draw in attendees.
The ‘Around the World’ set provided a taste of otherwise-unattainable international travel.
The Christmas Lights Spectacular is open from 6pm nightly until January 26.
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