Epping is set to come alive after sunset this July as Aurora After Dark transforms Aurora Village Shopping Centre and Galada Community Centre into a colourful celebration of art, music and community.
Running from 5pm to 8.30pm on Friday 3 July, the free event invites visitors to enjoy live music, interactive workshops, family-friendly activities, light projections, public art installations and late-night dining with local traders. Created in partnership with local artists, schools, businesses and community organisations, the evening is designed to showcase the creativity that exists across the City of Whittlesea.
A major highlight of the event will be the official opening of Outside Gallery@Galada, a permanent outdoor exhibition space that will display locally created artworks year-round.
The inaugural exhibition features five illuminated lightboxes showcasing works by students from Mill Park Secondary College, The Lakes South Morang College, Y Community School and Northside Christian College. The students collaborated with acclaimed artist and author Tai Snaith after visiting Whittlesea Tech School to develop their pieces. Additional artworks created during Tai Snaith’s school holiday workshop at Galada Community Centre will also be exhibited throughout the evening.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said the event is about celebrating both creativity and community.
“Aurora After Dark is a celebration of local creativity and community spirit. It brings together artists, schools, businesses and residents to create a vibrant experience that showcases the talent, diversity and energy of our municipality.”
He said the new gallery would continue supporting local creatives long after the event finishes.
“Outside Gallery@Galada will create lasting opportunities for local artists and young creatives to share their stories, perspectives and talents with the wider community. By bringing art into an everyday community space, we’re making creativity more accessible and creating a place that inspires connection and conversation year-round.”
Aurora After Dark takes place on Friday 3 July from 5pm to 8.30pm at Aurora Village Shopping Centre and Galada Community Centre in Epping. Entry is free.
