As the countdown begins for Illuminate Wollondilly, which is on 18 May, Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined the festival spirit and announced that the Federal Election will be held on the same day.

Acting CEO Michael Malone advised that Illuminate Wollondilly – Festival of Art and Light would be going ahead in Picton as planned, with preparations currently in full swing for what is the highlight of Wollondilly’s event calendar.

“The Australian Electoral Commission has not been in contact with Council yet regarding the location of voting venues in the Shire” he said.

“We will be liaising with the AEC in regard to this and will update the community as things develop. We hope that after everyone has been out to vote on 18 May, they will head down to Menangle Street for Illuminate”.

Now in its fifth year, the reinvigorated Illuminate Wollondilly 2019 is set to delight attendees like never before, with exciting new activities for the whole family and even more awe-inspiring lighting projections.

This year there will be several new additions including more illuminated buildings, LED dancers, street performers, a DJ activation truck, a silent disco and neon putt putt.

This is in addition to festival favourites; the Lieder theatre fire dancers, Jasmine Brophy the Fire Breather, over 100 market and food stalls and of course, The Mac Kids carnival.

The entertainment line up on the Bradcorp Music festival stage features two local country music stars, Missy Lancaster and Jemma Beech, who will be joined by Macarthur Music star and previous voice contestant Luke Koteras.

The stage and performing arts area will also welcome a number of local dance schools, school performance groups, and more.

At 9:00pm, the family friendly fireworks will go off, sponsored by the Illuminate Wollondilly Festival Premier partner The George IV Inn.

Illuminate Wollondilly is a free event and will run from 12:00pm to 9:00pm. In the three days leading up to the festival, local artworks will be displayed in Picton Shire Hall alongside a selection of artisan market stalls, showcasing the rich talent of the area.

For the safety of visitors, on festival day a road closure is scheduled for Menangle Street Picton between Colden and Argyle Streets between the hours of 6:00am and 12:00am midnight. St Mary McKillop Lane and the rear car park to Argyle Street will also be closed from 6:00am to 12:00am midnight.