Illuminite returns in 2014 on November 15th with more breathtaking events going on about Dundas Square.
Climbing, dancing and marching, the performances have returned to light up downtown Toronto and bring holiday spirits.
“Last year, we had about 8,000 people come to join us, but looking back at the crowd, we will beat that number this year for sure,” said Mark Garner, the executive director of the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area. “This event was thought of in 2002 but started in 2006 and happened here at Yonge and Dundas Square ever since.”
This year, Illuminite made the show a 360 degree experience by building a stage in the centre of Dundas Square and having performers appear from different corners. The crowds kept turning and shifting ─ nobody could predict where the next performance would be! The show started around 6:00 p.m. with blasting music and a band performing on the roof. The center stage had spirited dance performances. The highlight of the night was acrobats descending from the wall of a tall building while dancing. A performer in a suit with flashing lights dancing on the roof to the futuristic music was also an amazing sight to see. We also had tin nutcracker soldiers walking and dancing in the crowds.
Wrapping things up at 7:00 p.m., Illuminite threw glowing balls into the air and if you caught one, you could keep it! This year, they lit up the square using spotlights and fireworks. It was an awesome sight!
“Yonge Street has always been the iconic street in Toronto. It’s the most diverse street. It’s the festival street of Toronto,” said Garner. “It has 42 million people who walk by it on an annual basis.”
“I like this event because of the music they choose, I think it’s very nice,” said a visitor. After Illuminite ended, everybody stayed until they were sure there were no more performances.
Illuminite comes back every year. Come to Dundas Square with your families and friends next year to witness its improvement and capture its electrifying energy!
