New look ENLIGHTEN 2012 sure to delight locals and tourists

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Both locals and visitors to Canberra are sure to find something to delight them at the new look ENLIGHTEN 2012.

Building on the foundations of ENLIGHTEN 2011, the new-look ENLIGHTEN will boast more than 35 night-time events at 11 attractions and will, from next year, form a part of the Canberra Festival.

Today I released a diverse program of events that includes live performances, exhibitions, unique dining experiences as well as tours and talks.

There really is something for everyone and I encourage all Canberrans to check out the program and invite your family and friends to see Canberra in a whole new light.

Highlights of next year’s ENLIGHTEN include:

• Late night viewings of Renaissance: 15th and 16th Century Italian Paintings from the Accademia Carrara, Bergamo at the National Gallery of Australia and Handwritten: Ten Centuries of Manuscript Treasures from Staatsbibliothek Zu Berlin at the National Library of Australia,
• A concert featuring Claire Bowditch and The Clouds at the National Museum of Australia,
• Underground geological tours of Parliament House,
• A bush tucker long table dinner which follows a guided tour with a curator through the indigenous collection at the National Museum of Australia,
• The screening of Lights! Canberra! Action! in the leafy Senate Gardens at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, and
• A night of political comedy at the Museum of Australian Democracy; star gazing at the National Library of Australia and a talk on the science behind beer and wine at Questacon.

Stunning architectural projections will again appear on Canberra’s iconic buildings and there will be many events in and around the national attractions – many of them free.

ENLIGHTEN will be held on 2, 3 and 9, 10 March 2012. Tickets are now on sale. For full program details go to www.canberrafestival.com.au.