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, Nottingham 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 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.”
Further information
The Light Night App will be available for IoS and Android platforms and is free to download
Maps, brochures, and full event information will be regularly updated at www.whatsonnottingham.com
Fire Garden is created by And Now, drawing together highly skilled, experienced teams of freelance pyrotechnicians, artist-makers, technical crew, production and site managers who have worked together over many years to make accessible work for people of all ages, gender, ability and ethnicity. And Now: has created installations and shows for: Brighton Festival; SO Festival Skegness; Bestival; Royal Botanical Gardens Kew and many others.
The display will pay homage to the Castle’s royal beginnings, whilst remembering the blood shed by those who fought for social justice through Nottingham’s rebellious history. The trail will also feature arrows inspired by world-famous Nottingham Lace and flocks of fluttering wings, symbolising hope for the future and respect for the past.
NB: The event will require a ticket. These will be free and require booking at the Nottingham Castle website.
Rebel Heart is a new installation commissioned for Light Night 2022 produced by Nottingham’s independent theatre & creative venue: Nonsuch Studios. Directed by Edward Boott, Video Design by Ash J Woodward, Lighting Design by Jessica Hung Han Yun & Sound Design by Inês Sampaio.
Welcome Back Fund – Light Night has received some funding from The Welcome Back Fund which is providing councils across England a share of £56 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support the safe return to high streets and help build back better from the pandemic. This funding builds on the £50 million Reopening High Street Safely Fund (RHSSF) allocated to councils in 2020 and forms part of the wider support government is providing to communities and businesses.
Find out how to get a Covid-19 test here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/
More information about booking a vaccination can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/