Byron Bay, Australia
The lighting of the World Peace Flame lantern was the focal point of the annual Byron Bay Peace Festival, which attracts thousands of people each year.
It began with candle-lit procession at sunset, including a special Aboriginal welcoming fire ceremony on the beach and it was carried to The Byron Peace Park where a large audience gathered for a spectacular outdoor Peace Flame Ceremony.
Byron Bay has a special connection with the light because it is the first town on the continent to receive the sun’s light each morning. It is also home to the first Australian World Peace Flame Peace Pole, installed in 2001. In 2018 the WPF lantern was moved to Canberra.