March
March marked a defining month for Albany 2026, with two of the program's largest and most ambitious events transforming Albany and attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
First Lights - Kinjarling
First Lights - Kinjarling transformed Albany's skies from 7–9 March through a trilogy of large-scale drone performances sharing Menang stories of place, culture and connection to Country. Developed in collaboration with Menang, Wirloman and Goreng Traditional Custodians, the innovative event combined storytelling, sound and technology to illuminate three distinct place-based narratives. Approximately 17,000 people attended across the three nights, while more than 500 people also participated in Kinjarling Reflections, a companion program of guided cultural walks and experiences led by Traditional Custodians.
Images: Clancy Martin on behalf of Fremantle Biennale.
First Light - Kinjarling Image Recap
Kinjarling Reflections Image Recap
First Lights - Kinjarling Recap Video
Lighting the Sound
Across three weekends from 13–29 March, Lighting the Sound transformed Princess Royal Harbour into a spectacular canvas of light. Created by renowned Finnish artist Kari Kola and presented by FORM, the installation drew an estimated 45,000 attendances, becoming one of the most significant public art experiences ever staged in Albany. Activation zones at Anzac Peace Park and along Stirling Terrace brought additional markets, performances, food vendors and extended trading opportunities, creating a city-wide atmosphere and generating benefits for local businesses and the visitor economy.
Astrid VolzkeLighting the Sound Video Recap
Lighting the Sound Opening Night
Lighting the Sound Final Weekend
The Gift of Truth Telling Lecture Series Launch
The Gift of Truth Telling lecture series launched on 27th March at Albany Town Hall, bringing together leading researchers, historians, scientists and Menang Elders for An international perspective on granite flora, delivered by renowned botanist Professor Stefan Porembski.
The opening lecture was followed by a panel discussion featuring Merningar Elder Lynette Knapp, Merningar yorga Shandell Cummings, conservation scientist Professor Stephen Hopper, Dr Alison Lullfitz, and Professor Stefan Porembski.
The panel reflected on what has been learned across generations, how knowledge has been shared, and how people can walk together to care for Country into the future.
The event marked the beginning of an ongoing lecture series at UWA Albany, offering insight into the diverse and emerging research taking place locally.
Images: Annie Leitch
Annie LeitchThe Gift of Truth Telling Series Launch Image Recap
March Featured Events
Taste Great Southern returned for another extended weekend, showcasing the Great Southern’s renowned food and wine against the backdrop of its spectacular coastlines, forests and vineyards.
Kinjarling Reflections offered guided cultural walks, conversations and sound journeys at significant locations across Albany, providing opportunities for deeper understanding of the stories shared through drone light shows, First Lights - Kinjarling.
First Lights – Kinjarling illuminated the Albany sky across three unforgettable evenings, bringing ancient Menang stories to life through an extraordinary fusion of storytelling, drone technology, light and sound.
As part of Taste Great Southern 2026, Middleton Beach hosted a vibrant showcase of the Great Southern's renowned food, wine and produce, bringing together local producers, chefs and wine lovers for a day of exceptional culinary experiences.
Lighting the Sound transformed the skies above and the natural coastline and landmarks of Albany, into an immersive and meditative light experience over nine magical nights.
Visitors had the opportunity to step aboard the iconic STS Leeuwin II and experience one of Australia's best-known tall ships during a family-friendly open day on Albany's waterfront.
Live @ the Town Hall returned on 21 March with the second show of the 2026 series, bringing another huge night of original Australian music to the Albany Town Hall.
The inaugural lecture featured international botanist Professor Stefan Porembski, who presented An International Perspective on Granite Flora. His presentation was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion with Merningar Elder Lynette Knapp, Merningar Yorga Shandell Cummings, Professor Stephen Hopper and Dr Alison Lullfitz, exploring shared approaches to caring for Country, lessons from the past 200 years and aspirations for the future.