The weather may be cold and dull, but Lumiere, the UK’s biggest Festival of Lights, is a brilliant way to banish the winter blues and brighten up the capital. Over 40 artists from the UK and abroad are joining forces to create a spectacular light show in six London locations, from 18 to 21 January.
The Light of the Spirit at Westminster Abbey, by French digital artist Patrice Warrener, is a follow-up to his popular 2016 installation at the Abbey. The technicolour illumination of the Great West Gate highlights the architectural details, showing the statues of martyrs in a new light. On 18 and 19 January, visitors to Westminster Abbey can take advantage of half-price offer entry from 6.30-8pm.
As the name suggests, Northern Lights in Grosvenor square is inspired by the aurora borealis, a natural light phenomenon found in the northern hemisphere. A network of 100 lines of light mimics the spectacle of the Northern Lights, by shimmering, fading and constantly changing colour and form.
Granary Square is transformed into a dream-like landscape by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, whose installation Waterlicht explores our relationship with water. This interactive work at King’s Cross invites spectators to contemplate the power and potential of water as a valuable resource. Mobile devices and headphones can be used to tune into an accompanying soundtrack.
Inspire your inner child with Impulse, a row of illuminated seesaws in South Molton Street, which offer an unusual opportunity to play in a pop-up playground which combines light and sound.
The Umbrella Project, presented by Cirque Bijou, features residents of Greenwich, Lambeth and Waltham Forest, in choreographed performances in Piccadilly and Fitzrovia, using LED umbrellas to create glowing artworks.
Voyage presents a journey through time, in the form of a clock projected onto the Hotel Café Royal in Piccadilly Circus. The artwork by Camille Gross and Leslie Epsztein’s shows the hands of the clock turning to mark our changing world, moving through the Belle Epoque and the Industrial Revolution, then picking up speed to match the frantic pace of modern day life.
Lumiere London 2018 is a free event, with viewing times from 5.30pm to 10.30pm. The festival takes place in the following areas: King’s Cross, Fitzrovia, London’s West End, Mayfair, Westminster & Victoria, South Bank & Waterloo.
A map of locations is available here: https://www.visitlondon.com/lumiere/programme/map#WdMDzdJPX3usxYJl.99
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