The Lumen Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, had the grounds of Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Nylstroom buzzing once again from 13 to 23 December 2025. After weeks of planning and hours spent installing the light displays in the summer heat, the big moment arrived: the switch was turned on and thousands of little lights lit up the darkness with a clear message of hope and joy.

Despite the storms that hit Nylstroom and the damage caused to certain installations, the Festival of Lights continued. The repairs and adjustments not only kept the programme running, but also underscored a simple truth: light remains stronger than darkness.

Each evening from 18:00, visitors began streaming in. Families and friends lingered together, enjoying pizza, burgers, chips or simply a warm cup of coffee. Our children also helped enthusiastically by, among other things, handing out reflective bands and guiding visitors safely to the parking areas.

On these summer evenings, music, laughter and the aromas of food filled the grounds: rib burgers, pancakes, curry and rice, and sweet candy floss that never failed to draw smiles. Father Christmas welcomed visitors, photos captured special moments, and stalls offered jewellery and other gift items for Christmas.

The programme kicked off with a laser show, and throughout the week the music of Scallywag, Pieter Labuschagne, Jannie du Plessis and Franna Benadé’s Carols by Candlelight made the atmosphere even more festive.

By the final evening, it was clear that ten days of light and togetherness had delivered more than a festival – it brought the community together.