How It All Began

The Light Party has been running since the year 2001. It was formerly known as the “Glow in the Dark” party. Intended as a safe and healthy alternative to Halloween, children can come with their families for an evening of fun. In 2013, the Acts of Kindness Charitable Trust was successful in its application to the Dunedin Community Grants Scheme which enabled the Trust to run the event for the first time at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, where it has been held annually since then.

It turned out to be the largest crowd ever seen at the event, with over 4000 people attending, and over 2600 sausages consumed! The year 2014 brought an even bigger crowd, with over 5000 attendees, making it the most attended Light Party in New Zealand for the year! The year 2015 event had similar numbers! It requires in excess of 250 helpers, the latter being willing volunteers from the community.

Funding

Entry is by gold coin donation (per person). The Light Party is funded entirely by grants and donations. Helpers and volunteers come from a variety of groups and organizations including schools, churches and other community groups. The kindness and generosity shown by these groups, businesses and individuals is what enables the activities inside the Light Party to be offered free. We expressly work hard to ensure that the event remains affordable to all members of our community and we thank all those who give of their time and financial resources to make this possible.