Our network members have been busy visiting some of Europe’s most captivating light festivals. Their recent international visits have provided insights, inspiration and sparked creativity as we gear up for another exciting year of light art across the North of England.
From large festivals drawing hundreds of thousands to intimate installations showcasing personal connection, our network members have seen a diverse range of approaches to illuminating urban spaces and engaging audiences. Here are some of the highlights they brought back:
Visualia, Croatia (September 2024)
Visited by: Jude Jagger (Light Night Wigan)
Jude’s visit to Visualia provided insights into the festival’s welcoming atmosphere, community engagement, and the power of intimate art experiences.
● The energetic opening ceremony, featuring an Elvis impersonator and a welcoming speech from Artistic Director Marko, set a fun and inclusive tone for the festival. The Spark drummers leading the crowd further enhanced the celebratory atmosphere.
● The indoor shadow works by Anni Laukka and Alessandro Jupi, displayed in a small gallery space, were described as “really beautiful, thoughtful,” and offered a more intimate viewing experience. Meeting the artists and witnessing the public’s reactions to their work provided valuable insights into audience engagement. The visit also included attending the International Light Festivals Organisation (ILO) annual general meeting. ILO is a worldwide network of public light festivals, public light events and light art experts that foster valuable connections and collaborations within the international light art community.
Fête des Lumières, Lyon, France (December 2024)
Visited by: Natasha Howes (Light Night Leeds) and Phil Hargreaves (Freedom
Festival & Co-Chair of LUTN)
Experiencing its monumental 25th birthday, the Fête des Lumières in Lyon proved to be a truly inspiring event. With over half a million attendees each night, the sheer scale and ambition of the festival were remarkable.
● The Return of the Little Giant by Spectaculaires, les Allumeurs d’Images: This impressive video mapping projection transformed the Musee des Beaux Arts and City Hall into a canvas for a charming narrative about a sleeping child and his mischievous toys. The return of this piece after its initial showing in 2008 highlighted the festival’s rich history and enduring appeal.
● Solar Dust by Quiet Ensemble: Described as “absolutely fantastic,” this installation in the park defied easy description. Light danced seemingly without source in front of tall trees, creating moments akin to lightning. A “cloud of twinkling stars” swirled and pulsed in harmony with sound, creating a captivating and immersive experience that magnified the beauty of nature.
Luna Nights, The Netherlands (January 2025)
Visited by: Jude Jagger (Light Night Wigan)
Jude’s visit to Luna Nights offered a glimpse into the nurturing of emerging talent and participatory art.
● Luna Young Masters Exhibition: This indoor exhibition showcased high-quality light and digital multimedia pieces by mentored emerging artists. Ines Kooli’s “Swing of Damocles” stood out as a particularly thoughtful and intimate one-on-one experience, requiring the participant to sit on a swing to fully engage with the artwork.
● Katya Heitmann Perpetuum: This outdoor participatory piece involved a choreographer working with local people to build a “movement library.” Projected onto gauze screens in a large courtyard, the artwork also cast shadows onto the surrounding walls, creating a truly “incredible” and engaging experience. The visit also provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with Luna Nights’ Artistic Director, Andrea Moller, further strengthening international collaborations.
Copenhagen Light Festival, Denmark (February 2025)
Visited by: Mark Swanwick (Barnsley Bright Nights) and Rachel Wood
(Illuminate Oldham)
Copenhagen Light Festival impressed with its accessibility and integration within the city, offering various ways for audiences to explore the illuminated artworks.
● Aura by Mani Nikdel: This clever and fun interactive piece used facial expressions to create a dynamic colour wheel, showcasing the playful potential of light art.
● The Sun by Zenic: A large and incredibly bright piece that reflected strikingly in the water, powerfully highlighting the energy and impact of the sun.
● Green Beam: This impactful, city-wide laser beam served as a unifying element, visible from anywhere and effectively signaling the festival’s presence while connecting the various artworks. The organised walking and boat tours, including a giant silent disco tour.
LLUM BCN 25 Festival D’Arts Luminiques, Barcelona, Spain (February 2025)
Visited by: Phil Holmes and Richard Williams (Lightpool Blackpool), George
Harris and Julie Brown (Light Up Lancaster)
LLUM BCN showcased innovative uses of light and technology to create visually stunning and thought-provoking experiences.
● Astres by Playmodes: This “ingenious” laser work precisely tracked a selected group of stars in the night sky, accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack. The provision of sun loungers allowed for a relaxed and immersive viewing experience.
● Transit by Studio Animal & Caosanroque: Utilizing 49 sets of traffic lights, this artwork created a visually overwhelming and dynamic experience with a distinct “nightclub feel,” demonstrating a unique approach to urban illumination.