Following their summer outing with Same But Different, The Arches Worcester Festivals are bringing back their highly successful Light Night festival in October. This time it will be taking place over three nights 19-21 October 2021
This year Light Night Worcester 2021 will feature four brand new large- scale projections created specifically for Worcester, transforming buildings in the city centre, whilst playful performances, which include Ghost Caribou by Thingumajig Theatre, will light up the surrounding streets.
International and award-winning artists and organisations – imitating the dog, Illuminos, Limbic Cinema and Mark Murphy have worked with local schools, guilds and organisations to create the work that will premiere at the festival.
David Edmunds, Festivals Director, Severn Arts said: “Creating moments for people to experience something new is central to the Festivals programme. Each of our selected artists/organisations is world-class and will be producing fantastic work that has never been seen before, that’s exciting!”
Lilliput (by imitating the dog) provides a platform for young voices to re-imagine the city through their hopes and dreams. Ring the Changes (by Illuminos) blends the historical and rich heritage of bellringing and guilds with modern technology in new and unexpected ways. Re-Wild (by Limbic Cinema) looks at our relationship with nature and how we can help it to thrive, whilst Remember the Future (by Mark Murphy) remixes vintage images of future visions to create a series of large-scale collage compositions.
This year the festival will branch out from the city centre with Lullaby, where at dusk, a parade of bikes decorated with lights will be bringing a brand-new surround sound composition, created by local school children with composer Andy Taylor, to Ronkswood, Dines Green and Warndon during the festival. Lullaby is an arts project by Luke Jerram who also created the In Memoriam flag installation that created a space for residents to reflect on the pandemic and thank key workers at Pitchcroft last year. The festival’s team are looking for people to take part in Lullaby by being part of the ride or helping out at the start and finish. The success of Light Night January 2020, attracted the Festivals’ very first sponsor CityFibre.
Neal Wright, CityFibre’s City Manager for Worcester said “The Light Night Worcester Festival transformed the city into a truly magical place so when we heard that the organisers were planning on bringing it back this autumn we jumped at the chance to support it. The local community has been really supportive of our full fibre infrastructure rollout across Worcester and as a way of thanking them, we’re excited to support this fantastic initiative which will brighten up the city as the darker nights draw in.”
Laura Worsfold, CEO, Severn Arts said: “We are very much looking forward to the next Light Night Worcester which we hope will inspire, engage and attract a wide audience. The artists we have commissioned to produce the works are all exemplary and we can’t wait to bring these projects to Worcester next month. Having the support of sponsors like CityFibre will enable us to expand our programme and bring even more local people in to enjoy and to work with us to animate and illuminate our city.”
Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England said: “We’re pleased to be supporting The Arches project and are all enjoying the exciting and creative activities and events it is bringing to Worcester and its community. Light Night Worcester events bring people together, the city comes to life, and this year looks particularly exciting. From playful performances and parades like Luke Jerram’s Lullaby, to celebrating history and heritage with Ring the Changes by Illuminos, the festival will be an amazing way for people to see new and colourful art and culture.”
Visit the archesworcesterfestivals.co.uk/light-night or follow @archesfests on social media to keep up to date on Light Night Worcester news.
For further information and to arrange interviews please contact Stephanie Stanesby (Festivals Marketing Manager, Severn Arts) on s.stanesby@severnarts.org.uk or 07901 250703.