Five ways you can #Shine4thefrontline from home

Tasmanians are gearing up to play their part in The Mercury’s new Shine for the Front Line campaign launching tonight at 8pm, here’s some creative ideas for ways to participate.

WHILE Tasmanians gear up to play their part in The Mercury’s new #Shine4thefrontline campaign launching on Saturday at 8pm, more creative ideas are emerging for ways to participate.

Here are some clever ways you and your families can shine a light for the heroes who are working in essential services through the coronavirus pandemic.

1. GET FESTIVE.

It may not be the holiday season just yet, but dragging out old Christmas lights into your yard or onto your porch is one way to bring a smile to commuters and neighbours. Hang strings of lights across a garden bush or tree, from the veranda railing or even in a vase – the more colour, the better.

Sydney McInnes, 7 of New Town will put up her fairy lights that are usually in her bedroom in their front window and light a candle to show support for frontline workers. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

2. CANDLES.

One of the simpler ways to show respect for the essential workers is to stand at your driveway or in your garden and light a candle. To get kids involved, families can put candles in colourfully decorated jars with messages of thanks written across the outside. Just remember to supervise your flames at all times.

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3. HEAD TORCHES.

For those wanting a less decorative approach, anyone with a spare head torch lying around can beam their light into the night. A simple handheld torch or laser pointer will also do the trick. If you’re wanting to add some flare or get crafty with the kids, tape colourful cellophane to your torch.

4. GLITTER BALLS.

Those of you heralding from the disco era can dust off your old disco balls and hang them up in your yard or veranda. Shine a torch or any kind of light onto the ball and spin it around to watch the hypnotic sparkles span across your lawn. While you’re at it, why not go the whole hog and throw on your dancing shoes?

Laser pen light. Picture: CAMPBELL SCOTT

5. LASER LIGHTS.

Share houses in particular will want to try this one. Anyone who has used quarantine as an opportunity to order flashing rave lights online and replicate their favourite nightclub at home can take their lasers outside to share with the neighbourhood. Shine any moving beams or patterns onto your house for a stunning visual effect.

Get as elaborate as you like, or keep it simple – just don’t shine any bright lights into your neighbours’ eyes if you want to stay on their good side during quarantine.

Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using the #Shine4thefrontline hashtag and spread the message of hope to those who are keeping us safe.