Sunday, 13 March 2016

Sunday Selection #267

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
 
Like River I usually run with a theme.  I am taking you back to Enlighten this week (and there will probably be another post still to come).  We went back to see performances that only took place in the second week.  


I also took the opportunity to talk to people in the information centres about the rabbit sub-theme I had noticed.  The young woman at the first information booth told me that there wasn't a rabbit theme and not every building featured them.  Wrong.
And at the second I was told that yes, there were rabbits on every building, but it was just an amazing co-incidence.  Which I doubt.  So it will remain a mystery.

When we arrived we noticed that Amanda Parer's inflatable rabbits had done what rabbits do - and bred.  There were three last week, and five this.

I was amazed at how expressive their faces were.


This first one is a very, very sad rabbit.




 And then we kept wandering, to track down Meduses from the Black Hole Theatre, which was described as:
'Giant illuminated jellyfish to transport us to the deep blue and the life aquatic'. 












 Do you wonder that Enlighten has become an annual treat and that we try and get there at least twice?
Next week.  BALLOONS!!!! 
   

119 comments:

  1. LOVE the "jellyfish"!!

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  2. Your jellyfish seem to breed like rabbits too.
    What a fun occasion. Pity an exhibitor doesn’t know what she’s taken about.

    If you solve the rabbit riddle do you get a prize?

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  3. talking TALKING. My Mac decides which word I’m wanting to use and if I don’t correct it instantly it goes ahead and types it.

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    1. Friko: Auto correct does some weird things doesn't it? The jelly-fish did breed well didn't they?

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: And if you had been here you would have been brightened (and deafened) too.

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  5. The jellyfish look even cooler than the rabbits, if that's possible, the colours are magical! Now I am wondering what the balloons will be like...

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    1. Nilanjan Bose: The balloons were WONDERFUL. I went to the launch at dawn this morning. And hope to go again later this week. Magic. An owl, a whale, and many more things...

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  6. All is pretty, but I just LOVE those inflated rabbits!

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    1. Bookie: I loved the way children squatted down at their feet. The whole festival is a treat.

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  7. Oh, what pretty jellyfish! And I very much doubt that the rabbits everywhere are a coincidence. Somebody knows... :-)

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    1. DJan: I expect my face clearly expressed my thoughts about the idea that five separate institutions could choose to use rabbits on their illuminations as a co-incidence.

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  8. The rabbits are just great and I like the jellyfish too. I wonder if you saw online all the inflated creatures around Sydney for Chinese New Year.

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    1. Andrew: I missed the inflated creatures for Chinese New Year. I hope at least one of them was a dragon.

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  9. The jelly fish look really cool, the colours subtle and beautiful.

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    1. CountryMum: They were clever weren't they? And I loved that they changed colour.

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  10. Dear EC
    What fabulous creatures! The colours of the jellyfish look so effective. Thank you for sharing your photos.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: I am glad you liked them. In my usual obsessive way there are LOTS more photos to come.

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  11. Weird and wonderful! I'm with you on the rabbits; you have uncovered something fishy (bunny?)

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    1. Cloudie: Weird and wonderful is a pretty accurate description of the whole festival. I have photos of furry snails (crossed with llamas?) and their riders to share too.

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  12. The jellyfish are too cool! So surreal. I could've hung around for hours watching them.
    As for the rabbit thing, I think it just bred like rabbits and became the theme.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: I did enjoy the jelly fish. And the bunnies. And the whole thing. Both visits.

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  13. This reminds me of kite season on the Marina Greens
    Well done, appreciate you sharing

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    1. Martin Kloess: Kite season would be amazing. Something I would LOVE to see.

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  14. Here is information re the rabbits, EC... "Five giant illuminated inflatable rabbits are hopping into Canberra's Parliamentary Triangle for Enlighten.

    The sixth Enlighten festival kicks off Friday night and will feature colourful projections on the walls of the national institutions, as well as a variety of free and ticketed entertainment.

    One of the most eye-catching installations is Intrude, featuring five seven-metre-high rabbits illuminated by stark white light.
    GIF: Projections on the Questacon building for Enlighten

    Artist Amanda Parer said rabbits were an animal of contradiction.

    "The rabbit for us culturally is a symbol of cute and cuddliness, Easter, and childhood stories," she said.

    "But also, for Australians, it's an animal of destruction because it's an introduced feral species.

    "In a way they represent our mismanagement of the environment."

    Parer said her piece offered a great opportunity for Enlighten visitors to consider the natural world and their role within it.

    "But if they just see them as giant rabbits, that's OK too," she said."

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-04/enlighten-festival-lights-up-canberra/7220098

    How odd that the information booth operator had no idea what the rabbits were about!

    I also read on Friday that some food poisoning cases have been linked to a food stall at the festival...a noodle stall.

    I hope your coming week treats you well....cuddles to Jewel and Jazz...I hope they're behaving themselves. :)

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    1. Lee: Amanda Parer's rabbits are the only ones which are advertised. However, every building which is illuminated at some stage shows a rabbit. Which is why I talk about a 'sub-theme'. And if it is linked to Amanda Parer's work I would have expected the publicity to say so. And for the information staff to know about it.
      The night noodle markets (or one stall) were hit with a food poisoning episode - which is hardly surprising given the heat and the limited facilities.

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  15. Absolutely love the jellyfish. And the bunnies.

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    1. Jono: But wait, there's more... The festival is action packed.

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  16. I have added another thing to my bucket list today. I want to see those jelly fish before I die.

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    1. Birdie: I don't know whether the jelly fish travel or whether they are a local creation. Amazing things...

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  17. The jellyfish are fantastic! Thanks for taking and enlightening us.

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    1. Alexia: You asked a while ago when would be a good time to visit my city. March - for Enlighten and the Balloon Spectacular has charm. Or Spring for Floriade.

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  18. That is something, those illuminated jellyfish. Spectacular is all I can say. I love them and wish to have seen them for myself.

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    1. Strayer: I really don't like crowds - and happily braved them twice for Enlighten and again this morning for balloons. I wish you could have shared them with me too.

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  19. OOOOOoh! Jellyfish. Love them. Thanks for sharing them

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: They were a brainwave on the part of the creator's weren't they?

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  20. Those rabbits are VERY expressive! And the jelly fish! Luminous.

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    1. mshatch: I was surprised at just how expressive the giant bunnies were.

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  21. That rabbit does look very sad, perhaps he'd rather be somewhere else. I like the jellyfish, the colours are almost glowing.

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    1. River: That bunny was on its own - perhaps it wanted some company.

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  22. Holy cupcakes! Those are so pretty. Love the big bunny, too.

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  23. No don't let the sad bunny have company or you will have 20 new rabbits inflatables ! The installation is lovely and I can see why a visit at least twice is needed!

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: It is almost overwhelming. Everywhere you look there is something new to see, to listen to. And the acts change regularly. I am pretty certain that those bunnies are on contraceptives...

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  24. How very magical! The jellyfish, in particular, make me think of the famous words written by Maya Angelou: "And still I rise."

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    1. The Cranky: Maya Angelou made words dance and sing didn't she?

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  25. Jellyfish--love the way it was formed as photos focused closer and closer. Brilliant. Awesome photos! Talent glows from you.

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    1. Susan Kane: Thank you. Aren't digital cameras a boon. Take forty photos, delete 38.

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  26. Love the jellyfish! Awesome and colorful and very unique. :)
    Of course there's a rabbit theme. Too bad they won't share the inside story.

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    1. River Fairchild: I am firmly in favour of colour and quirkiness. And Enlighten delivers. I suspect the ignorant persons at the information tent 'knew nothing'. One admitted it.

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  27. Oh, the jellyfish is amazing. The story behind the rabbit theme has got to come out before the event is over. I can see going several times to see all this beauty.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Enlighten finished yesterday - and there is no word about the rabbits. Something for me to ponder in idle moments.

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  28. Those are just magic. Never seen anything like that.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: Weren't they clever? Not only the idea, but the execution.

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  29. That would have been surreal seeing those giant jelly fish. Nice to be mesmerised by something still in life.

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    1. carol: I am filled with awe and wonder. Often. And grateful to be so.

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  30. Hi EC - those are amazing creations and yes I can quite see why you go and visit. The jelly fish are amazing .. one doesn't expect to see those - yet they're so appropriate. The rabbits ... a great mix - and I wonder what the theme was about - other than Easter and bunny rabbits in various guises ...

    Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: The jelly-fish were fun. Unexpected fun. In previous years there hasn't been a theme, so perhaps I am reading something into nothing...

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  31. What fantastic displays...the colours, the shaspes and oh! just everything.
    Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
    When I saw on the TV news that the balloons were on yesterday I fully expected we would see them today but I guess they are on the agenda.

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    1. Mimsie: Enlighten and the Balloon Spectacular are back to back. I did see the balloons launch yesterday and hope to get himself up one day this week to see it again.

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  32. What great photos!I like the multicolored jellyfish the best! I would love to see this in person! I can't wait to see next weeks balloons!

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    1. Ginger Dawn Harman: This balloon tragic loved the balloons and hope to make a return visit there too. Which doesn't take anything away from Enlighten.

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  33. Poor wilting rabbits:-( Love the jellyfish too.

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    1. Grannie Annie: Given how hot it has been the rabbits wilted less than some people - me included.

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  34. A great exhibit. They almost look like the ice sculptures I have seen photos of in colder climes. Love those jellyfish but the rabbits are so cute and the lighting makes them look even more incredible on all. Thanks for sharing these.

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    1. DeniseinVA: I think that the white lights on the bunnies was the only white light around - but yes, it did show them off beautifully.

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  35. BRILLIANT))
    I so so so much adore jelly fish.
    They are surreal and gorgeous.

    xxxx

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    1. My Inner Chick: You would like this whole festival. Colour and whimsy at every turn.

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  36. Lovely jellyfish that don't sting!

    Is it any wonder that I come here for a treat, and to be energized?

    Those naughty rabbits, multiplying. Ohhh my :-D

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): No sting at all. Delicate, colourful, charming. The rabbits were restrained in their multiplying - unlike the real version.

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  37. Amazing, illuminated creatures!

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  38. oh my word what a spectacular display, love them all, mesmerizing and mystical

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    1. Linda Starr: The whole festival is full of wonder. And I think that adults outnumbered the children - but we all had fun.

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  39. No wonder you returned - what breathtaking jelly fish! Did I notice you comment that they changed colour? That makes them even better.

    And I do love the rabbits. Everything is on such a large scale. I think it adds to the allure.

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    1. jenny_o: The organisers WANT us to return. There are different features each weekend, and we have discovered that a return visit it worth the time and the effort. And yes, the colours did shift on the jelly fish. Almost too fast to see. Big smiles.

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  40. Fabulous balloons, the ones that looks like a jelly fish, it is my favourite EC.

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    1. Bob Bushell: These aren't balloons - though I suppose the big bunnies could be viewed that way. Fun, though.

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  41. The rabbits are adorable, if something of that enormous size can be called adorable... But oh, the jelly fish! Simply stunning and magical. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos.

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    1. Carol: The festival is full of treats like that. Despite spending hours there on two separate visits there were things which passed us by. Next year. Perhaps.

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  42. The jellyfish look ghostly. beautiful and eerie. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: The ocean is another world I would love to explore, and this visit from its denizens filled me with joy.

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  43. I would make sure I attended too...what a delight!

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    1. Donna@LivingFromHappiness: Enlighten is an annual treat. One that my introspective, crowd-loathing self looks forward to.

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  44. What a glorious event. I can see why you love it so. That progression of pictures would make an impressive story!

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    1. Denise Covey: Lots of cities have the illumination nights but because ours is relatively unpopulated we can also have the street shows. Win/win.

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  45. wow it looks so amazing and exciting ,it reminded me the kite flying festival here which is coming in next month

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    1. baili: Welcome and thank you. I hope you will share photos from the kite flying festival.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Oh it was. And there is more to see yet.

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    2. Your area seems to have so much to do. There's always something going on.

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    3. Sandra Cox: I think so - but my city is famed for being boring.

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  47. So gorgeous! What a lovely treat.

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    1. ladyfi: Having discovered it, Enlighten has become an annual treat. Always different, always a delight.

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  48. Forever immortalized etched in awesomeness, its how I'd like to be remembered and I used to read Brer Rabbit!

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    1. Spacerguy: 'Born and bred in a briar bush?' I too read, and loved Brer Rabbit. I doubt that awesome is the way I will be remembered though. Which is fine.

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  49. The size of those bunnies is amazing, but the colors of the medusas are glorious.

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    1. cleemckenzie: Seven metre tall bunnies is over the top isn't it? Which is a neat summary of the whole festival. Vibrant, colourful, quirky and over the top. And a must see.

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  50. I haven't ever seen anything like these medusas, they are amazing.
    Wish you happy time, I'll go to hollyday some weeks.

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    1. orvokki: They are great aren't they? Happy holidays - and please take your camera.

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  51. Love your pictures. I'm particularly taken with the jellyfish.

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    1. Carol Z: Welcome and thank you. The post after the next one will have a LOT more photos from Enlighten.

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  52. I particularly adore the jellies. The lit up bunnies are similar to the Chinese illuminated lanterns that I photographed when they were in Toronto. Look here:
    http://www.ex-shammickite.blogspot.ca/2008/09/cinese-lantern-festival-part-2.html

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    1. Shammickite: The jellyfish were clever weren't they? There were also furry snails. Which I will show later. Off to check out your lanterns now.

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    2. Shammickite: I have been, I have marvelled. How I would have loved to have seen that myself. Thank you.

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  53. Those jellies are gorgeous!! Wish I'd been there :)

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    1. Damyanti: There was so MUCH that was amazing. Tomorrow I will put up a post with some of the other marvels.

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  54. This is such a spectacular show. I'm so glad you go every year, that way I sort of get to go too. Thank you for sharing these pictures.

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    1. Myrna R.: It is an incredible event, and I am glad that you enjoy coming with me.

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  55. Wow, those are amazing. If they had that around here, I'd definitely go.

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    1. M Pax: The treats on offer vary from week to week and from year to year - but they are always worth the visit.

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  56. Dear God, that was the coolest thing that I have ever seen!!!!!! I need those jellyfish!!!

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    1. Sonya Ann: The rabbits only moved when no-one was looking but the jelly fish floated through the crowds. It was 'mazing.

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  57. That is beyond amazing! I'd go twice, too!

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    1. Lynn: Even if the acts didn't change I think we would go twice. So much to see. And with two visits we still missed some of it.

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  58. By the gods!!! Stunning! I love the rabbits, absolutely gorgeous items as are the beautiful jellyfish. I wish I could see them all in real life, but thank you for the pictures as there crackers misses. X

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    1. All Consuming: I wish you could be here too. Music, colour, and quirky fun. What's not to love?

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