Albany 2026: Visitors and Albany businesses praise the atmosphere and organisers of Lighting the Sound

A glowing coastline, immersive soundscape and steady stream of visitors marked the Lighting the Sound’s weekend finale with crowds reflecting on the atmosphere and light display.

The large-scale installation drew people from across WA, interstate and overseas with many describing the experience as relaxing, unique and community-driven.

Jenny Burn travelled from Sydney to see the installation after seeing a magazine advertisement.

She said it was a memorable experience for her.

“We saw an article in last year’s Sydney Morning Herald magazine and we were coming over for a big family gathering at Easter so we thought we’d drive,” she said.

“I loved the dancing at the beginning and the welcome to country — it’s fantastic.

“The music’s been fantastic . . . it’s kind of mesmerising and dreamy and we’ve just been sitting here looking happy.

“I have to give credit to the organisers because it’s reasonably easy to get food, get a drink, find places to sit and its just a very nice event in that sense.”

Lesley Daniels said the music and soundscape added a sense of wonder and awe to the whole show.

“I think the music is just truly amazing, more than the lighting,” she said.

“I thinks it’s so atmospheric and fabulous — it draws it all together.”

Travellers Lybia Stacey and Melva Rayner both timed their lap around WA so as to be in Albany for Lighting the Sound.

Ms Stacey said that she thought there was more to the light show.

“We’re from Sydney and we aligned our weekend to be here, but to be honest I thought the lights might do more,” she said.

Ms Rayner, who travelled from Brisbane, said she was very impressed by the whole event.

“This is lovely and really enjoyable,” she said.

“We love this precinct and we are very impressed with the entertainment centre — everything is really good.“

Others made the journey to Albany specifically for the event, including Perth resident Helena Van Der Riet.

“We came from Perth and we came specifically for this,” she said.

“I think it’s lovely, it’s really cool.”

Locals were impressed by the atmosphere created by the installation.

“I have really enjoyed the atmosphere and Albany has been alive,” Albany resident Bronwyn Oreo said.

“I think it’s great and I’ve been to all the different vantage points last week and that was really nice.”

Anzac Peace Park proved a popular viewing spot with visitors highlighting both the setting and social atmosphere.

“I think it’s beautiful down here at Peace Park,” Perth resident Susan Percival said.

“It’s a gorgeous atmosphere and looks good on the camera when you take a picture.

“It’s great to see people out and about.”

Visiting from the United Kingdom, Iain Jamieson said the scale of the display was incredible.

“It’s pretty impressive because the scale is quite broad and the lights are across a wide area,” he said.

Perth visitor Maaike Hine said the colours within the clouds were special to watch.

“The green colour in the clouds is lovely and its so natural — it’s nice.”

However, not all reviews were glowing.

“The times are not well advertised generally, and although there was a flyer, it didn’t tell us the time,” said Perth resident Rosheen Markich.

“The idea is great but it’s just half a dozen lights and its not doing anything, it’s a bit underwhelming.”

Despite mixed reactions, Albany local Bruce Beamish said it was an amazing event and there’s been a great vibe around Albany over the past month.

“It’s so much better down here with the music and everything and just the vibe around the place.

“It’s been great having more people around the place and it’s nice having that extra energy.”

As well as being a focal event for visitors, local businesses were also kept busy across all weekends of March.

Shaka’s Dumplings owner Nic Lancaster said Lighting the Sound brought in great business and was an amazing event for the community.

“Having this event on across the three weekends was really great for the business,” he said.

“The first weekend was the busiest — there was a lot more people around, especially on the Saturday.

“It was an awesome event for us and we did well and met new people through it.

“I think it was amazing and it was a great space and an awesome event for the community and for Albany to have.”

Quick Shot Coffee owner Chris Saurin said Saturday nights were particularly busy.

“It was a very good event,” he said.

“Business went well on Saturday nights — they were the busy nights then followed by Friday and then Sundays were usually quiet.

“The middle weekend was the busiest for me.

“It was a brilliant event and I spoke to lots of different people from across the State and I think once people understood what the event was all about they enjoyed it.”