Albany 2026: Historic world record light display dazzles in Albany as headline act for city’s bicentenary

Albany’s bicentenary was beamed firmly into the spotlight as thousands of people flooded to the waters edge and key vantage points around the city to witness the first night of the spectacular Lighting the Sound.

The landmark event on Albany’s 2026 calendar, Lighting the Sound is a record-breaking artistic display from Finnish mastermind Kari Kola.

In typical Albany fashion, heavy rain fell as darkness descended on the port city but not even that could deter the enthusiastic crowd, who were determined to catch a glimpse of the stunning light display.

The crowd was filled with locals both old and young, alongside tourists from around WA and interstate, all keen to see the show.

As the massive project, involving 800 LED lights on 15 towers across about 15km of the Torndirrup National Park, came to life, a blanket of green covered the coastline, water and sky near Princess Royal Harbour.

The illumination will run on three nights across the next two weekends, headlining the bicentenary commemorations.

Red roots were intertwined with the bright green lights as the shoreline was filled with adoring fans with most taking the chance to capture a shot of the beauty.

The event featured a stirring Indigenous dance performance from local group Moorditj Nop, traditional welcome to country and then a narration of the history behind Albany and its landmarks before the lights took real affect.

The light installation, created by Kola in association with FORM, is the biggest in the world to date.

Stirling Terrace transformed into a block party with outdoor markets lining the streets and businesses extending their trading hours to welcome in the droves of tourists.

Dignitaries, including WA Premier Roger Cook and leader of the Opposition Basil Zempilas were also in town on Friday, taking in the show from the Albany Entertainment Centre.

The event was also broadcast widely in the media, with veteran news anchor Noel Brunning doing a live cross for 7NEWS Regional and ABC Drive hosting an outdoor show in the lead-up.