In Irish folklore, fairies are said to protect places with soul, history and community spirit. Locals know one thing: you don’t upset the fairies.

For years, the fairy lights in the trees of The Rocks have brought warmth, charm and magic to Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood. Loved by residents, visitors and businesses alike, they’ve become part of the identity of The Rocks and the Irish spirit surrounding the Mercantile Hotel.

These lights exist because local publican Steve from the Mercantile spent years campaigning for them.

Now, under a new government “lighting plan”, they are set to be removed — or left to slowly disappear through lack of maintenance.

We say: don’t let the lights go out on The Rocks.

We call on the NSW Government and Placemaking NSW to:
• Keep the existing fairy lights
• Continue maintaining them
• Protect the character and atmosphere of The Rocks

Save the fairy lights. Save the magic.