Nottingham Light Night 2022 is confirmed as the event returns for its fourteenth year.
Nottingham’s Light Night will take place on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 February.
A number of innovative, interactive and engaging light-based installations, performances and activities will take place right across the city.
The event will again take place over two nights as it did for the first time in 2020 and will follow the theme ‘Rebel City’. This wide-ranging theme looks to explore Nottingham’s heritage as a hotbed of rebellion over the centuries and the way the city looks to do things differently to this very day.
The site of many rebellions, riots and royal rows, the Castle’s dramatic history will come alive with ‘Fire Garden’ – produced by AndNow, a company which creates illuminating experiences all over the country… illuminating the Castle grounds in a way never seen before. A fire trail will lead to the historic bandstand and reveal an incredible installation: a huge ball of transparent red liquid suspended from the ceiling, illuminated by 100 lights.
In Old Market Square, Nonsuch Studios’ Rebel Heart will explore the questions “What makes a rebel?”, “What makes a rebellion?” and “What makes a rebel city?” Using a wall of sound, light and projection, their performance speaks of the power of change and shares the need for rebels in all walks of life.
States of Matter is an immersive installation at St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market exploring varying states of water from ice to steam, and the Tom Dale Company will take over Nottingham Contemporary with Urban Explorers – four youth dance groups performing alongside professional dancers combining visual art, projection and integrated dance celebrating movement and technology.
Plus, there are over 50 installations from Victoria Bus Station down to Canal Wharf and from the Robin Hood Statue to Green’s Windmill. There is even a piece in The Meadows at the Arkwright Street Allotments.
Organised by Nottingham City Council and sponsored by Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), the organisation behind It’s in Nottingham; the event is also being supported with funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, some of the funding available nationally from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – The Welcome Back Fund, community groups, and city venues.
With so many amazing installations across the city centre, there is something to capture everyone’s imagination. Because of this, there will be tools to help visitors plan their trip beforehand.
Visitors will be able to plan their visit, plan itineraries, and read more about the installations using the Light Night App. This will be available at the end of next week. The app will also contain listings for shops, restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues that will be opening late in the city for Light Night. Watch out too, for travel offers on trams, buses, and car parking.
There will also be an official guide and map available to download with a small number of pre-printed guides available from the Tourist Information Centre on the night.
People visiting the city for Light Night are asked to continue to take steps to stay safe from Covid-19. Although restrictions are easing, cases of the virus remain high in Nottingham and so people should still think about what they can do to reduce the spread of Covid. The advice remains to take a rapid lateral flow test at home before going out, continue to wear a mask in busy indoor spaces – particularly on public transport – and get vaccinated.
Cllr David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council said: “I’m delighted that Light Night, after last year’s cancellation, is once again able to open up the city and offer some fun and some warmth on two wintery evenings. It is a great free event, especially for families with young children. I’m looking forward to seeing our proud Rebel City out in force.”
Alex Flint, chief executive officer of Nottingham Business Improvement (BID), sponsors of Nottingham Light Night said: “Light Night has been a huge success in previous years. Each one has been designed to build on the one before and offer unique, innovative experiences for our communities and visitors to the city centre. After such a long period of uncertainty, we are excited to support the event again and can’t wait to see the city lit up again on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 February. The event brings in a large number of people and families, which is a huge benefit for businesses within the BID area.”
David Johns, interim chief operating officer at Nottingham Castle Trust, said: “The theme of Light Night at the Castle is ‘Rebel City’ which ties perfectly into the fascinating history of Nottingham and the exhibitions, collections and treasures we have here. The Lower Bailey will be filled with flames, arrows and feathers all accompanied by an amazing soundscape, set against the stunning backdrop of the Ducal Palace which will be illuminated red for the occasion.”
Go to the Visit Nottinghamshire website for more information on the Light Night or contact Donna Marshall, Communications & Marketing Lead at Nottingham City Council, donna.marshall@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Posted on 21 January 2022
