New Rowes Toowoomba CBD Christmas visual show to ‘push boundaries’ of animation, according to creator

Shoppers and residents in the Toowoomba CBD were treated to a magical light and animation display on the front of Rowes Furniture at the weekend. And the man responsible says the best is coming this week.

John Rowe is in awe at how quickly of a tradition his store’s annual Christmas light and animation show has become in Toowoomba, and he believes his latest is the most challenging yet.

The chair of the Rowe Group and veteran animator, who has been projecting his own animated short films onto the front of the popular furniture store on Russell St in the CBD since 2017, will showcase his latest work on Friday night in time for Christmas.

Rowes animation projection with Aussie jingle bells and staying COVID safe themes, Saturday, December 5, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr Rowe, who projected his previous animations over the weekend as part of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas in the CBD campaign, said it delighted him to see families standing on the footpath to watch his creations.

We’ve been doing it for three years now (for Christmas, Easter and Carnival of Flowers), so this is our ninth showing, and the response has totally amazed us,” he said.

“There is a new show that will debut this Friday — (people) would’ve seen four shows this weekend, and from Friday we’ll have five shows.

“This year, the new mystery show, you get to ride in the sleigh with Santa and go on the journey.

“I always try to push the boundaries, and I did that this time, and it’s always with a sense of fun.”

Mr Rowe said he wanted to see more people using the CBD to not just do their shopping but also socialise.

Four-year-old Lilo Gordon and mum Taarna Gordon admire the Rowes projection, Saturday, December 5, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer