Northern Grampians Shire Council, Media Release, 8 July 2025
A plethora of events focusing on community, culture, art, wellbeing, creativity, gastronomy and adventure will be on offer in Halls Gap and Pomonal this winter, thanks to a new festival designed by volunteers.
Glow – Bringing light to Halls Gap started on Saturday and runs for eight weeks until August 31.
The festival is the brainchild of Halls Gap community group The Kitchen Cabinet and was born out of resilience following 2024-25 bushfire season.
The festival is proudly supported by Northern Grampians Shire Council through a $20,000 bushfire recovery grant and Regional Arts Victoria.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said she was excited to see the region turn into a vibrant hub of light, fun and connection.
“The Glow festival is a great initiative by volunteers and it’s exciting to see Halls Gap transform into a winter wonderland in the Grampians,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to make the most of the family fun on offer and show your support for this passionate community.”
Cr Hyslop said along with boosting tourism, the festival would help restore confidence, community pride and creative expression.
“All the local businesses are participating in the festival, through hosting live performances, guest speakers, wellbeing activities, exhibitions and gatherings,” she said.
“This is a truly collaborative effort, uniting the tourism, hospitality, arts, and wellbeing sectors under a common goal: to bring people back to Halls Gap and restore vitality to our community.”
Cr Hyslop encouraged people to visit for a day, a weekend or longer, particularly with the winter school holidays underway.
“With lots of accommodation available, the clean air, wildlife, a chance to wear all your winter woollies – it’s a great opportunity to spend some time in our incredible region and support our local businesses, who have been through so much,” she said.
Glow activities include trail running through the Grampians; sunset abseiling; freestyle light installations lighting up the night; polar bear dips in the Halls Gap pool; wellness walks; children’s chocolate workshops and movie nights; dancing in the dark; tasting marshmallows around a fire; shadow-puppet making; stargazing, and more.
A highlight of the program will be a major interactive art installation by ACT Natimuk.
“The festival opening coincided with the opening of Wama Foundation at the weekend and it will wrap up with the epic Wonderland Run and bustling Pomonal Market at the end of August,” Cr Hyslop said.
“With plenty of free and low-cost events, there’s something for everyone – particularly during the July school holidays, for parents looking to keep their kids entertained.”
People can visit www.glowhallsgap.com.au for more information and a full list of events.
