Art displays extend throughout Maffeo Sutton Park, including across Swy-A-Lana Lagoon, part of Luminous Paths. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

light it up

PHOTOS: Luminous Paths lights up Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park

Jan 23, 2025 | 10:39 AM

NANAIMO — Live entertainment and numerous light displays have turned one of the city’s favourite spots into an illuminated wonderland for the next few weeks.

Marking 150 years of incorporation as a municipality in British Columbia, the City of Nanaimo began hosting a month-long event on Thursday, Jan. 22 featuring light displays around Maffeo Sutton Park.

Jaime-Brett Sine, cultural coordinator with the City, said the various art installations will remain up through until Family Day in mid-February and be lit up nightly.

“We have seven art installations that are illuminating the park, this is art in public space, you don’t have to pay to see it, you can walk right up and enjoy it, it’s interactive and engaging and it’s illuminating the dark park.”

A backlit photo frame was a popular addition to the park for Luminous Paths, with a crowd of people around it most of the evening waiting to take a photo. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Displays include a back lit photo frame, a dance mat which lights up an LED tree, a walk through mirror frame and more.

Wednesday’s kickoff drew thousands down to the park to view performances and the displays.

More are expected over the coming weeks.

Mayor Leonard Krog said 150 years of the community is a major milestone, and one which should be celebrated.

Drummers were among many performers during Wednesday’s kickoff event to the month-long display. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

He added the community came from humble beginnings, with the first Council likely focused on building a community bigger, better and more beautiful than their south Island neighbours in Victoria.

“We not only outshine Victoria, we are modestly bigger than the city of Victoria and have been for years. It’s about quality in my view, I think we’re a fabulous community and the beautiful art display…illuminating the dark of winter which is to point us towards the future of this city which continues to grow, prosper and diversify in ways that probably those folks way back then never considered.”

A closing event for Luminous Paths is planned for Monday, Feb. 17 beginning at 4 p.m., also at Maffeo Sutton Park.

One of the seven art installations at Maffeo Sutton Park, a mirrored walk through element. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Lanterns adorn the already-lit trees entering Maffeo Sutton Park. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

— with files from Daryl Major

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