Hawke's Bay Fiesta of Lights heading into its 20-year anniversary

The Fiesta of Lights saw increased turn out compared to previous years. Photo / Warren Buckland

The Fiesta of Lights has ticked off another successful year and organisers are looking ahead to their 20th anniversary with anticipation.

Public Dreams Trust director and Fiesta of Lights organiser Te Rangi Huata said they believe about 16,000 people caught a glimpse of the light displays including a tree-lined trail surrounded by thousands of sparkling fairy lights over the 22 nights.

Although, an unprecedented five nights of downpour didn't manage to dampen people's spirits, with those from out of town making up the numbers.

The Fiesta of Lights is a staple among Hawke's Bay families.

However, there are a number of issues they were planning to highlight to ensure that the environment was safe, including a number of dead tree branches falling from trees.

The event that started in 1988 will mark two decades at the end of this year and planning is already under way with "bigger and better" things in the pipeline.

He credits its success to it being "affordable and accessible for go together during the holiday period".

"We are looking at marking it with a significant impact not only on our community but on New Zealand. We've got some great ideas but the biggest thing for us next year is that we're really pushing our fairy lights."

He said they had been in talks with a "major international artist" about purchasing one of their interactive art installations.

Mr Huata couldn't divulge too much detail but said she had done a lot of work around the world at various light festivals.

"The reaction we have had has been overwhelmingly positive and we are grateful to the people for turning up but also grateful to our funders who have stuck behind us."

The Hastings District Council, Creative Communities, the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, among others have ensured the survival of the community initiative."