uMhlanga’s bright spark behind the Trail of Lights
The festive event, now in its seventh year, draws thousands every evening to the Durban Botanic Gardens.
CREATING lasting memories for a new generation of children and bringing festive cheer is what it’s all about for uMhlanga resident Nevon Singh.
The 53-year-old, through his company, Magic Lighting, along with his team, are the people responsible for the Trail of Lights event which brings stunning Christmas-themed light displays to the Durban Botanic Gardens.
The event, now in its seventh year, runs until January 3, 2024, and is a major drawcard for residents and tourists alike.
“We see the light installations as more than just decorations. The lights bring so much joy to the people, and seeing them take selfies or photos of the displays is so rewarding. The joy is visually tangible. I think the Trail of Lights is one of the few family events in Durban with a number of facets.
“Besides the beautiful light displays, there are food gardens and live entertainment where you can make memories. When I was a child, we used to drive to the CBD to see the lights on West Street (Dr Pixley KaSeme Street) which are reminiscent of Christmas. With the Trail of Lights, we want to make memories for the next generation,” he said.
Speaking on the planning process and the manpower required, Singh explained that planning begins in March.
“We’ve been involved since the inception of the Trail of Lights event. Essentially, we conceptualise the design, fabricate the structures, manufacture the products that go onto the structures, install the structures, transport them to the site, install them and then remove them. My staff consists of all Durbanites, 35 in all, and we do everything required, including repairs and maintenance.
“In all, we use approximately a million light bulbs, and hundreds of hours of work go into the Trail of Lights. For the event, we actually start planning in March or April, and installation work at the Durban Botanic Gardens starts in September, so you could say it’s a complete year’s project,” he said.
- Tickets for this year’s event can be bought through Webtickets, at select Pick ’n Pay outlets or at the door. Children two years and under enter for free. Wheelchairs will be available to hire on a first-come-first-served basis.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
