Glen Innes Severn Council is inviting artists, schools, clubs and community groups to submit original banner artworks for display in the Glen Innes town centre during the Christmas in the Highlands – Illuminations event.
Sixteen artworks will be selected for the 2025 Christmas Art Trail, which will decorate the main streets from Saturday 29 November 2025 through to 11 January 2026.
This year’s theme is “What does Glen Innes at Christmas mean to you?” and participants are encouraged to explore ideas such as highland magic, cultural and festive traditions, Celtic roots, starry nights, or their own creative interpretations.
“We’re looking for 16 unique banner artworks created by individuals, schools, community groups or clubs to feature in this year’s Christmas in the Highlands – Art Trail through the Glen Innes Town Centre,” the Council stated in its callout.
Interested creatives must submit high-resolution, print-ready digital files using a provided template. Entries close at COB Friday 22 August 2025 and will be judged by the Glen Innes Public Arts Advisory Committee.
The banners will be unveiled during the Illuminations launch on Saturday 29 November, which coincides with the popular Christmas in the Highlands markets. The expanded program will see parts of Grey Street and surrounding side streets transformed with light installations, live music, public art, and festive entertainment, extending activities from Friday evening into Saturday.
To request the banner template, ask a question or express interest, contact Rhonda Bombell via email at rbombell@gisc.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6730 2400.
What is Illuminations?
This year marks the beginning of a new three-year initiative called Illuminations 2025–2028, made possible by $350,000 in funding secured by Glen Innes Severn Council through the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program.
The initiative will support the co-design and delivery of creative content across Glen Innes, working with local businesses, artists, schools and community groups to ensure a community-driven celebration of place and identity.
Mayor Margot Davis welcomed the expansion, saying “The Illuminations 2025–2028 program is in addition to Council’s existing Christmas budget. This extra funding allows us to build on the success of Christmas in the Highlands and create something that reflects who we are as a community.”
“By working with local creatives, businesses and community groups, we can deliver a festive experience that truly belongs to Glen Innes,” Cr Davis added.
NSW Minister for Transport, Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham, said “We’re backing Glen Innes Severn Council to make Christmas in the Highlands bigger and better than ever with this fantastic new event.”
“The NSW Government is proud to provide $350,000 in funding under the Open Streets Program to support Illuminations 2025-2028.”
The Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW, encourages local governments to temporarily close streets to vehicles, opening them for people-centred activities that support local economic development and community connection.
Key installations from Illuminations 2025 will remain in place throughout the summer school holidays, offering an extended festive experience for both locals and visitors.
