A community celebration to brighten up the holiday season in Nanaimo's Newcastle neighbourhood is underway. (Submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Illuminight

Newcastle Neighbourhood Association stages second annual holiday lights celebration

Dec 1, 2021 | 7:37 AM

NANAIMO — A neighourhood not far from downtown Nanaimo is lit up during a month-long event to spread much needed holiday cheer.

Area residents and businesses strung up holiday light displays throughout the month of December in response to a bright idea from Newcastle Neighbourhood Assoc. president Karen Kuwica.

The Illuminight initiative launched last year during the first winter holiday in the COVID-19 era.

“The need was strong for people to still feel connected in absence of the normal traditions. One thing that was clearly safe was to put up holiday light displays,” Kuwica said.

Hundreds of posters are plastered around the neighbourhood promoting the event.

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Kuwica emphasized Illuminight is about inclusiveness and not who has the most extravagant display.

“People can do small things like light up their bike or baby stroller.”

A private neighbourhood block party to celebrate Illuminight happens on Sunday, Dec. 12.

More than an average number of Christmas light displays can be expected within the borders of the Newcastle neighbourhood this holiday season. (Newcastle Neighbourhood Assn)

Kuwica said the event will help raise funds for the association’s soon-to-be unveiled website.

Events like this strengthen relationships and resiliency among the Newcastle area, home to more than 2,200 people, Kuwica said.

“We have waterways, highways, air traffic and buses are all transiting through Newcastle. It’s a great opportunity to reach a lot of people.”

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