What’s On

Light displays across Northumberland

Posted by The Journal on Oct 29, 08 01:59 PM in What’s On

Landmark locations will be seen in a new light this winter with the return of a hugely popular winter festival. Northumberland Lights - and the award-winning team behind it - are back with more bright ideas for outdoor illuminations.

guerilla lighting at Newbiggin (photo John Williamson)

From November 2 to 30, the winter festival will bathe some of the most beautiful and remote spots from Blyth to the Borders in an array of colour, in celebration of the county's contrasting architectural and natural environment.

As well as the illuminations, families will be able to enjoy pyrotechnics, performance, and film and sound displays, taking them on a magical journey.

Artist Phil Supple, the creative designer for Northumberland Lights, has plenty new ideas for a visual and musical extravaganza.

"I was delighted to be asked back and am looking forward to this third year," he says. "2008 promises to be our most exciting programme yet, with our creative and production team hard at work putting together this unique series of events.

"Using the skills of some of the finest talents in Britain, we'll be lighting up Northumberland once again, taking our visitors on a series of wonderful outdoor journeys through this county's most beautiful landscape."

Launching it all on November 2 will be Blyth in a New Light - a free, family-oriented day with architectural lighting wizardry turning the town's Ridley Park and surrounding streets into a magical twilight venue.

There'll be street entertainers and outdoor performers then a spectacular pyrotechnics display will bring explosive colour to the quayside courtesy of The World Famous fireworkers.

The return of Blyth in a New Light, supported by Blyth Valley Borough Council, follows its winning of Best Event in Northumberland at The Journal Culture Awards in 2006, and a further nomination from the public in 2007. Another big success last year was 'Electric Forest' at Cragside and the take on it this year promises another unique experience in Kielder - 'Out of Water'.

This special treat caters for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users.

Taking place over two weekends between November 8 and 16, it sees the forest meet the water in a journey enabling visitors to explore Kielder Water and Forest Park as it transforms under a night sky, then the newly developed, easy-access Lakeside Way which allows people of all abilities to enjoy the same experience.

Then, from November 28 to 30, 'The State of Berwick' will highlight the character of the town, while coinciding with one of this year's key collaborators, the Berwick Film and Media Arts Festival. The 'Inner States' Film Programme will explore states of independence, turmoil and peace, and a series of town centre installations in intimate spaces will see film, music, the spoken word and sound experiences transmitted through the event's own radio waves, both on the streets and under cover.

Meanwhile Guerrilla Lighting will continue to keep visitors gripped throughout the winter months, when the team will be lighting up nominated and favourite landmarks for one night only. This promises a series of breathtaking shows, infiltrating a number of surprise locations.

The emphasis is on collaboration and, as well as the film festival, there's local input from Berwick Museum and Theatre Group and community groups from across the county.

They'll join national talent such as sculpture artist Graeme Gilmour, sound artist Dan Fox and Angus Farquhar from environmental arts charity, NVA. And Phil Supple will be working closely with White Light project manager Jack Thompson to ensure the biggest impact possible.

Northumberland Lights is project managed by Zoë Bottrell of Culture Creative for the Northumberland Strategic Partnership. NSP acting executive director Janice Rose said: "The creative team have consistently delighted North East audiences with their spectacular displays and the programme has always been very well supported by the local communities. We're certain that this year's events will be even more inspiring and look forward to once again seeing Northumberland in a whole new light."

Stella Hall, creative director of the culture¹º programme of festivals and events, of which this is part, said: "We're encouraging everyone to look out for this year's Northumberland Lights, which will bring striking illumination to our region's most recognised icons and landmarks.

"The festival last year was stunning and I look forward to their new programme of displays which will bring light to Northumberland through the dark winter nights."

For further information visit www.northumberlandlights.com

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos