The Brisbane Festival kicked off tonight in a blaze of beautiful electricity. I just happened to be on-the-scene to soak up some of the buzz after my filling my head with bright ideas at the Brisbane Writers Festival.

Golden Casket Light Sphere designed by Tony Assness, Brisbane, September 2012
A ball of mirrors sits on the edge of the Brisbane River as part of the Brisbane Festival's visual arts program. Golden Casket Light Sphere by Tony Assness is fascinating in the daytime and magical by night.

Brisbane Airport International Lantern Garden designed by Tony Assness, Brisbane, September 2012
A large display of lanterns decorates the entry to South Bank's cultural forecourt.

Brisbane Airport International Lantern Garden designed by Tony Assness, Brisbane, September 2012
At 6pm, the lanterns are turned on, lighting the way for festival-goers.

City of Lights, Brisbane Festival, September 2012
Every night of the festival, a laser-light show spans the Brisbane River, bouncing off a barge in the middle of the water and lighting up a simultaneous fountain display.

The festival runs until 29 September at venues across the city, but most of the events are centred around South Bank. The full program for the Brisbane Festival is here, and after experiencing just a few of the visual treats that are on offer, I’m hoping we’ll be back for more!