Geelong transformed into a plethora of light, colour and art to celebrate Geelong After Dark on Friday night.

Now in its fifth year, Geelong After Dark featured roving street performances, cosplay costumes, light shows and interactive activities for young and old.

City of Greater Geelong cultural marketing and communications officer Desiree Jacobson said she expected 18,000 people to attend the event.

“We are consolidating ourselves as a clever and creative city,” she said.

“We have some amazing spaces within the city centre that are ripe for re-imagining and re-discovering.

“We also have a huge artistic community that are represented all across Australia and the world and we believe strongly in showcasing our artists in their home town.

“We know that people will travel far and wide to engage with their art and that locals have increasingly talked up the event to their friends and relatives. We are no longer a Sleepy Hollow!”

This is the first year Geelong After Dark has intersected with Mountain to Mouth, a biennial 80km art walk beginning at the You Yangs.

Choirs sang as a procession lead the Mountain to Mouth walk’s ephemeral canoe along Gheringhap St to Johnstone Park.  

Projection artist Alex Evans’ work illuminated Geelong’s City Hall, with the changing images set to eerie music.

A giant immersive spider web intrigued visitors at The National Wool Museum’s special exhibition Spider-Goat and the Insect Electro by sculpture artist Kathy Holowko.

Geelong Courthouse Youth Arts, Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, Back to Back Theatre and Geelong Art Gallery all stayed open after dark to showcase exhibitions brimming with creativity.

A silent disco brought Little Malop Street to life, while the Boe Audiocycle compelled rides to produce music with pedal power.

Ms Jacobson said the night also focused on children’s activities.

“There is also a program for kids with the Amazing Arts Adventure,” she said.

“We love to ensure that our young ones are just as engaged as the not-so-young.”