Normally when I go to Nightfest, it's primarily to photograph the performances. I usually plan out my night to get the chosen spots, have a couple of cameras, multiple lenses and a tripod. This year photographing it was not the main reason to go, I still took a camera and a monopod, but didn't go to my usual lengths of planning and gear.

Unfortunately the lack of planning bit me when it came to catching "Strings on Fire", I only got to see a very small part of their performance and only had a very restricted view through the balloons that made up the arena. Note to the Nightfest organizers, the arenas were a nice idea, but the implementation was lacking. The balloons made up about 3/4 of a circle, which left a very restricted space for the performers and audience, blocking the view from the sides. If they had only formed about 1/4 - 1/3 of a circle behind the performers it might have worked better and formed more of a stage setting.

I probably shouldn't admit it, but I'm not much of a flower person, they don't really do it for me, they don't really change much year to year and I find the lighting doesn't help them all that much except in an overall view, which is also similar each year. That's why the main reason I go is for the performances and other installations around the area.

There were two main performances I got to see and photograph. The first was Lumière, which was a duo performance with LED suits and batons. The batons changed at high speed to form different patterns that showed as the performers moved. They formed some interesting effects, though a little difficult to catch without a tripod.

The other performers that I got to see were local glow circus act the Cirquaholics, who I always enjoy photographing.

Overall it was a good night, though I wonder if they will need to either restrict the numbers a bit, or extend future Nightfests over more nights, as it seemed very crowded - particularly with the lines on entry.