An explosive weekend of fireworks, food, music and fun is set to draw thousands to Docklands as the annual Firelight Festival returns bigger and better in 2018.

City of Melbourne has announced a packed program of events and activities for opening weekend celebrations from 29 June to 1 July.

Chair of the Prosperous City portfolio, Councillor Kevin Louey, said this year’s event will be three times the size, after a spectacular debut in 2017 cemented the festival on the Docklands calendar.

“This year we’re thinking big, with all of Victoria Harbour set to be transformed into a warm and inviting stage,” Cr Louey said.

“We’ll have nightly pyrotechnics, flame jets, fire drums, roving performers and incredible musicians alongside some of the best food Melbourne has to offer.

“Three giant wooden sculptures will also be cast adrift in Victoria Harbour and set ablaze to create an amazing visual for festival goers. It’s all about giving Melburnians a warm and engaging event to help ease the chill of the winter solstice.”

Melbourne-based artist Christian Patton has been engaged for the second year to create the giant wooden sculptures, representing a sun dial, hand and sun god.

Fire breathers and fire twirlers will provide roving entertainment, alongside live music from a punked-out New Orleans brass band, jazz performers, Gypsy beats and a one-man band.

Firelight Festival Creative Director Gill Minervini said the winter solstice is a time for people to gather together and celebrate all that nature gives.

“Firelight Festival celebrates Melbourne’s winter and is a chance to rug up and get amongst a brilliantly eclectic range of musicians, performers and art. No two nights are the same, so be prepared,” Ms Minervini said.

“Nobody does winter like Melbourne and at Firelight Festival we celebrate everything that makes our winter hot! You don’t want to miss this, with bespoke performances, fireworks and the burning of giant sculptures on the water.”

While the Firelight Festival opening weekend is the main event, a range of epicurean activities will take place across Docklands throughout July.

A Speakeasy Series will invite Melburnians to experience some of Docklands most well-known haunts, while true Melbourne foodies will have plenty to choose from with Dining at Docklands and The Long Dinners series offering unique food experiences bursting with flavour.

Fireside Storytelling will also make a comeback, with special guest Jo Stanley telling stories from her literary series Play Like a Girl.

When: 29 June to 1 July 2018
Where: Docklands
More information: check their website.