Picture this: You’re walking around Queen’s Wharf, maybe thinking of doing some Christmas shopping when, suddenly, you are transported to a breathtaking, futuristic world of light and sound! That’s exactly the kind of portal that Sono Lumo, Queen’s Wharf’s yearly extravaganza is bringing back to the River City this December.
With three epic — and free! — shows every night, this fantastical world of dazzling light, electrifying music, live entertainment, and even food trucks and bars, there is something for everyone and there are zero excuses to miss out.
What to expect
This year’s show, set to an original soundtrack by iconic local musician and “human sound machine” Tom Thum, takes inspiration from the steampunk aesthetic, where the spirit of Christmas is powered by a giant mechanical timepiece that keeps joy flowing throughout the season. Tom Thum will serve as the voice of the Spirit Engine itself, layering in a joyful, cheery Christmas score that’ll have you humming along and tapping your feet.
The spectacle will light up the imposing façade of The Star Brisbane, and includes fireworks, video animate and even snow! Plus, on opening night, Wednesday, December 10, Tom Thum will be performing it live.
More fun to be had
Throughout the show, a symphony of the unexpected will unfold, with DJs weaving vintage carols into electronic anthems. With all due respect to Mr Bublé, this is no ordinary Christmas soundtrack: it’s a sonic invention that’ll leave audiences in awe.
Beyond the show and music, the streetscape will come alive with lighting and laser effects, soundscapes and projections that will keep the illusion going. At the DPI Courtyard, the Festive Foundry invites you to pause, sip a cocktail, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. At the heart of the courtyard, in line with the theme, stands an impressive airship balloon bar, with inventive steampunk-inspired cocktails.
And the beating heart of Steampunk City is at Queen’s Wharf Plaza, a place where gears turn, lights glow and the night never sleeps. With festive lights flickering, the clatter of gears filling the air and the scent of food trucks wafting through the air, you’ll never want to leave.
Between hourly shows, the façade of the heritage Commissariat building will play host to mechanical airships, shadow play, animated toys and cog-driven reindeers adding layers of magic to the whimsical world of gears, cogs and fantastical holiday scenes.
Practical information
A blend of Christmas traditions and cutting-edge technology, Sono Lumo will take place from December 10 to December 21, excluding December 15 and 16.
Three nightly shows will light up the precinct, at 7:15pm, 8:15pm and 9:15pm.
You can also catch the live music sessions nightly at 6pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm.
📍Queens Wharf, Brisbane CBD