Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for the Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy Weekend 2024

Is the convoy happening?

HELL YES!! The only thing that will stop it will be a flood, other extreme weather event or a total lockdown by the QLD Gov.

 

What dates is the Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy Weekend on?

Convoy- Saturday 5th October – Gatton Showgrounds until midnight.

Tickets and convoy entry available on this site via this link- https://www.trybooking.com/CQVAQ

Memorial- Sunday 6th October 2024 @ Memorial Wall Lake Apex Park Gatton (starts @ 10am). The Memorial is open to the public and is free to attend.

For those unable to attend the event will be live streamed (no registration or external link required) free of charge. Livestream will commence automatically via our FB page.

 

Where is this years event?

Convoy- Gatton Show Grounds Eastern Drive Gatton. Ticket Links here – https://www.trybooking.com/CQVAQ

Memorial- Lights on the Hill Memorial Wall Lake Apex Park

 

What time do the gates at the Gatton Show Grounds open?

9.00 am Saturday the 5th October and the event concludes at midnight and pedestrian access is via Eastern Drive only at Gate 1a & 1b.

Fireworks are in the evening at 8pm (yes it will happen this year)

The Memorial at Lake Apex Park is open at all times but the service on Sunday commences at 10am and should conclude by approximately 3 pm.

Disabled parking entry is via Gate 5 on Yates St.

 

What are the admission prices?

Convoy entry (driver & passenger) $66

Adults (16+) – $27.50

Pensioners – $17.50

Children (6-15) – $17.50

Family (2 adults + 2 children) $77

(Prices are inclusive of GST)

Tickets here- https://www.trybooking.com/CQVAQ

Can we pre-purchase admission tickets?

Yes and we recommend you purchase your tickets online prior to entering the gate at the Gatton Showgrounds. Entry is available online via this link- https://www.trybooking.com/CQVAQ

Memorial (free) and no tickets are required.

 

Can I purchase tickets at the Showgrounds on the day?

Yes you can! However to speed up your entry to the event we suggest you purchase your tickets online at this link https://www.trybooking.com/CQVAQ. 

Pedestrian entry is available via the Eastern Drive gate. No parking is available at the sports complex, however you can park at the Gatton State School for a gold coin donation to the GSS P & C.

Please note- pedestrian will not be permitted through Woodlands Rd Gate due to trucks entering this gate.

 

Can I register my vehicle (trucks/utes/cars/bikes) for the convoy on the day?

Yes! However you need to book your convoy entry via this link https://www.trybooking.com/CQVAQ

There will not be a registration point at the departure points this year, and you will receive your driver bands including entry arm bands when you arrive in Gatton.

Truck marshalling is available from 6am until 9am. You can still register online on the day of the event via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CQVAQ

Utes/cars/motorbikes will park at the rear of Brown and Hurley on Hillman St or Ron Boyle Crescent Carole Park. Those vehicles will leave 5mins prior to the trucks and will be marshalled at the Gatton Showgrounds where to park.

Why am I asked to fill in the truck details twice when registering my vehicle? 

Truck registration provides entry for two people so please just input the same truck details with your passenger’s name or your own if you don’t have a passenger.

What time are the registration points open?

Both Brisbane and Toowoomba departure points are open for business from 6am to 9am for a 9.30am departure. If you want to park with your friends/fellow drivers, you will all need to arrive together.

That means, if you arrive early to save a spot for your mates, don’t be upset when you are told it’s not possible.

You will be asked to register online via this link- https://www.trybooking.com/CQVAQ

What is the route for the trucks from the departure points to Gatton?

The Eastern Convoy (Brisbane) will depart from Mica St Carole Park at 9.30am. Entry onto Mica St is via Cobalt St only, and trucks will be parked on the road. If you are in a ute you will park on Ron Boyle Crescent and will depart at 9.25am.

Changed traffic conditions will be in place. Convoy will turn right at the roundabout and merge onto the Logan Motorway before merging onto the Ipswich Motorway. It then travels along the Ipswich Motorway until exiting left onto the Warrego Highway. Currently there is altered traffic conditions at the Bremer Bridge, and all altered speed limits and traffic control directions must be followed. The convoy will follow the Warrego Highway until it exits left at the Gatton exit and onto Eastern Drive. It follows Eastern Drive until it turns left onto Golf Links Road, right onto Woodlands Road and finally right into the Gatton Showgrounds.

The Western Convoy (Toowoomba) will depart from the rear of Brown and Hurley Toowoomba through the gate and turn left onto Hillmans St, left onto Lewis St, left onto Boundary St and follow Boundary St straight through before turning right onto Second Range crossing.

In the event the Brown and Hurley yard fills the overflow parking area is in Rielly St at Followmont Transport.

Utes/cars/motorbikes will park on Hillman St and will depart at 9.25am.

The convoy will merge onto the Warrego Highway near Helidon and travel along the Gatton Bypass until it exits left at the Gatton exit and over the overpass onto Eastern Drive. It follows Eastern Drive until it turns left onto Golf Links Road, right onto Woodlands Road and finally right into the Gatton Showgrounds.

Convoy participant briefing will occur onsite at both Brisbane and Toowoomba and live streamed on the Lights on the Hill Facebook page.

What time do the trucks leave the departure points?

The registration points close from 9am for a 9.30am departure from both Brisbane and Toowoomba.

Utes/cars/motorbikes leave at 9.25am.

Can I have more than 2 people in my truck in the convoy?

All road rules are to be obeyed, and cabin overloading is not permitted. You may be given a traffic infringement notice from QPS if you do not obey any road rules.

What time do the trucks arrive in Gatton?

The Toowoomba convoy should start to arrive at Gatton from approx 10.30am-10.45am. This is only an approximate time. Trucks can take up to 3pm to finish entering the Gatton showgrounds. If you are wanting to leave earlier, please inform a Lights on the Hill parking marshall or follow the signs on entry to the grounds, and you will be directed to the appropriate parking space.

Some traffic congestion is predicted so please ensure you give extra time when travelling into Gatton or along the convoy route.

Where can I watch the convoy?

The best place to watch the convoy is at the Gatton Showgrounds as you will see all of the trucks arrive.

We recommend if you choose to watch the convoy from the roadside that you do so from at least 2mtrs from any roadway and only in an area that will not impede the convoy or any other traffic or businesses. There are many vantage points along the convoy route including- footpaths along Boundary Street Toowoomba, Helidon near the Honey Pot and the park, Dinmore pads (not sure what time the convoy will go past there), Porters Plainland Hotel, Gatton streets along the route, Golf Links Road, Woodlands Road.

Please DO NOT park on a Motorway/Freeway!!!

Please do not attempt to stop any convoy participants for photos as they travel in procession. This causes delays to the following vehicles, and also increases the risk of traffic incidents.

It is prohibited to park anywhere along the Logan Motorway, Ipswich Motorway, Gatton Bypass, or Toowoomba second range crossing. Do not park in any of these areas to watch the convoy as you may be given an infringement notice.

Can I take my vehicle in the convoy?

Private or business vehicles can take part in the convoy. Truck, Ute, car or bike are all $66 GST inclusive entry fee into the convoy. Each entry gives you two entry passes no matter the vehicle type. If you are in a car you will need to purchase extra entries for any extra passengers. Tickets can be purchased at the link below.

You will be asked to park on Hillman St behind Brown and Hurley Twmba or Ron Boyle Crescent Carole Park and you will depart at 9.25am.

Pre-register your vehicle at this link- https://www.trybooking.com/CQVAQ

Are you capping numbers of trucks?

NO! We are certainly not capping numbers.

Where can I get a banner made for my truck/vehicle?

Any sign maker or custom merchandise provider can make a banner depending on where you are.

In the past we have used Hip Pocket Workwear and Safety Toowoomba https://toowoomba.hippocketworkwear.com.au/ or Coast To Coast Embroidery Glenore Grove http://www.c2cemb.com.au/.

 

Can we bring our animal/pet? Eg. Dog, cat, bird, snake, turtle, goat or duck….

The only animals allowed are certified assistance or emergency service animals. No other animals are allowed.

Is alcohol or glass allowed to be brought into the venue?

Strictly NO GLASS is allowed into the Gatton Showgrounds. As the event has a licensed bar, it is illegal to bring alcohol into the event in your vehicle or bags. Vehicle &/or bag checks may occur at the time of entry and any alcohol will be confiscated and discarded.

Is camping available onsite?

Extremely limited onsite camping is available by booking through our website in the convoy drop down menu and you can book via trybooking.com- https://www.trybooking.com/CUDPB

Also available for motorhomes and caravans, there is also the old swimming pool site at 23 East Street, Gatton. It is free, however there are no toilet/shower amenities.

Can I camp with my friends?

Yes, you can, you will need to all arrive together though.

Can I choose my camp site?

We try to accommodate everyone however it is a first in first served basis and is dependent on availability and camp site requirements.

Where can I park? 

Disabled parking sites are available within the grounds for those people with a valid disability sticker.

If you have mobility issues without a valid disability sticker and require assistance getting into the venue, please contact us via email lightsonthehill@live.com.au.

All other people are asked to park within the Gatton State School oval for a gold coin donation to the Gatton State School P & C. Please do consider the Gatton Showgrounds neighbours who still need to access their properties when parking nearby.

What should we bring?

We advise a hat and sunscreen, but other items like, umbrella, rug, chair etc for seating in front of the stage or memorial, your sense of humour and a positive attitude.

You can also bring along any food or drinks however no alcohol is permitted as the event is a licensed event. Any alcohol will be removed and discarded.

Yes, you can bring a camera! No drones are allowed unless a permit can be presented.

 

What you shouldn’t bring: – illegal substances, glass, alcohol, weapons, flares, fireworks or sparklers, bad attitudes, disagreements from elsewhere, animals (excluding service/therapy animals), lasers equipment or pens.

 

What should I wear? 

We suggest you wear weather appropriate clothing, hat, shoes and some sunscreen. Please don’t come naked as you may be offended when asked to return home to get dressed.

It has been quite cold in the evening so please bring some warm clothing.

 

Will artists be doing signings this year?

It will be dependent on each personal Artist due to availability. Any signing times will be announced by our MC.

 

What time are the artists playing? 

A detailed itinerary will be shared on our website and social media soon.

 

Will there be a truck show?

Yes. Every truck that enters the convoy goes in the truck show. Trophies will be presented on Saturday afternoon on the main stage.

 

When will the truck show presentation happen?

A detailed itinerary will be shared on our website and social media platforms soon. All trucks participating in the convoy are automatically registered into the truck show in all relevant categories.

Will there be a ute show?

No. You can still register and participate in the convoy but there will not be a ute show.

Where can I purchase Lights on the Hill merchandise?

The Lights on the Hill merchandise container is a clearly visible white 40ft container which will be positioned within the main event area. Eftpos and cash purchases are welcomed.

The 2024 shirt pre ordered closed in July this year. Pre ordered shirts can be collected by our volunteers beside the merchandise container.

There will be some others available at the event, however if we sell out, we will do another order through our website, so no one misses out. And if needed we will do a third order as well.

 

Is there an ATM on site?

Yes indeed!!

 

Is eftpos available? 

Eftpos and cash is available.

 

What happens if it rains?

We get to play in the rain!!! The event will continue rain, hail or shine. In the event there is an extreme weather or emergency the Lights on the Hill committee will notify any changes as soon as possible via our website or social media platforms, or live on the day at the event.

 

Is the Memorial Service at Lake Apex free to attend?

The Memorial Service is free for everyone to attend and honour those who have a plaque placed on the wall.

 

Can we place our own flowers at the Memorial service?

Lights on the Hill does supply 2 wreaths to honour those who are being placed upon the wall. We welcome you bringing your own flowers and there is an opportunity for them to be placed at the front of the wall during the memorial service.

For those who cannot attend the memorial service we will stream the service live via our Facebook page. There is a link to our page on the Home page of this website. There is no registration or costs for this to occur, and it will commence automatically.

 

Can we park our trucks at the Memorial for the Memorial Service?

Yes, however spaces are limited so it is best to book via lightsonthehill@live.com.au

 

What if I injure myself or feel unwell while attending the convoy or memorial? 

First Aid will be available at both the Convoy and Memorial by fully trained personnel.

Convoy- If you become unwell or require medical attention, please alert security, a Lights on the Hill volunteer or present to the First Aid area underneath the Showgrounds grandstand or present to the Lights on the Hill container and we will request assistance comes to you.

Memorial- If you become unwell or require medical attention during the memorial service, please alert a Lights on the Hill volunteer for assistance.

 

What do I do if my child goes missing while at the Convoy or memorial? 

We take the safety of all patrons, but especially children at our events seriously.

In the event you cannot find your child at either the convoy or memorial, please stay in the place you last saw your child, and have someone alert security, Lights on the Hill volunteers and/or the event MC as soon as possible. We will then alert all patrons via the PA system, alert Police, and complete the appropriate paperwork to assist in finding your child.

 

Is there kids rides?

Yes indeed……and they’re free thanks to Land Transport!!!!!

 

Is there food available on site? 

We have a variety of food, market and trade stalls to accommodate everyone’s personal and dietary needs. You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the venue.

 

How do I make a complaint or suggestion?

We take everyone’s comments and suggestions into account when planning our event and welcome your feedback. Please email lightsonthehill@live.com.au or contact Juanita (secretary) 0401362960 or Tim (President) 0439713067.

 

How can I become a volunteer?

We welcome passionate new volunteers with open arms as it’s a massive job organising and running the event. There is Volunteer Expression of Interest on this website in the convoy drop down menu or please contact us via email lightsonthehill@live.com.au or contact Juanita (secretary) 0401362960 or Tim (President) 0439713067 if you’re interested.