A new shine on Christmas for Queenstown

Queenstown Central Shopping Centre recently partnered with local creative collective South Island Light Orchestra (SILO), to create a spectacular Christmas tree commemorating the festive season.

The tree, situated in Frankton, close to State Highway 6 stands over eight metres tall and is framed by a backdrop of Queenstown Central Shopping Centre and the Remarkables Alps.

Constructed with steel frame, the tree is dismantlable and has been engineered to withstand strong cross-winds.

The robustness of the frame is offset with delicate white festoon lighting, combined with colourful geometric acrylic shapes which throw patterns of light to the ground beneath it by day.

By night, the tree takes on a life of its own, with a looped light show of neon colour sequences and effects, which dance up and down the festoon lighting.

Queenstown Central Shopping Centre is a newly developed retail and food destination based in Frankton, Queenstown. The Centre has over 40 stores ranging from grocery, food and beverage, fashion, beauty, recreation and office space. Stage two of the development is in planning and set to include a boutique hotel, town square and additional food and retail.

“In this project we were looking to capture the tradition of a large-scale Christmas tree but in a way that felt fresh, exciting and on par with the modern aesthetics of the Centre. SILO was the perfect partner in bringing this idea to life with their innovative approach to design and architecture, along with our passion shared for supporting local arts and culture in Queenstown.” – Emma Allen, Queenstown Central.

South Island Light Orchestra was established in 2015 by Luke Baldock, Tim Buckley, Simon Holden, Dan Move and Duncan Forsyth. SILO are the creators of the award winning LUMA Southern Light Project in Queenstown, New Zealand. Drawing from a diverse range of skill sets, the collective creates innovative work and experiences that celebrate the intersection of art, design and technology. SILO collaborates closely with industry leaders in the development of projects that are exhibited at LUMA and events across New Zealand and Australia.

“The team at SILO were excited by the opportunity to work with Queenstown Central to produce a contemporary sculpture as part of this year’s Christmas celebrations. Our aim is always to bring an artistic and enlightening aspect to our nightscape. Big thanks to Emma and the team at Queenstown Central for sharing our vision for this project and for their ongoing support of LUMA and the wider business community. You guys are leading from the front.” – Luke Baldock, SILO.

From December 2019 until early January 2020 the light show is active from dusk till dawn and can be enjoyed by customers of the Centre as well as passing motorists travelling on the highway.

Each year the tree will evolve in its appearance and evening show.

Queenstown Central Shopping Centre | 19 Grant Road Frankton, Queenstown.

Night photography courtesy of Undersoul Photography