Light Nights started in Leeds back in 2005, but Notts quickly jumped on the bandwagon and bagged a night for oursens – and we made a right good time of it, if we do say so ourselves. Have a gander at some of the best photos from over the past ten years of Nottingham Light Night...
The first Light Night pierced through the February gloom back in 2008, transforming a dreary, ordinary Notts night into a carnival of sparkle and shine. From the top of the Wheel of Light, itself a well lit spectacle, you could see across a city illuminated by art installations and massive light projections.
Following years gave us attractions like huge glowing puppets that made their way through the streets, collecting people behind them like Pied Pipers, and a sonic dome in Market Square where you could make as much noise as you wanted under an array of funky lights.
There’ve been Daleks ablaze with light, medieval lightsaber fighting, and more lasers, pyrotechnics and psychedelia than you could shake a glow stick at.
With the tenth anniversary this year, they’re going to be piling on even more fun stuff. Ten new venues are taking part, and all the usual favourites like the ferris wheel are back. Catch live music all around the city, including the launch of Revenge of Calculon’s new single at Rough Trade, luminous bird puppets taking flight, poetry performances, a steampunk market and more.
And keep an eye and ear out for Dr Rhyme, who’s going to be biking and rhyming his way through the crowds all night.
It’s going to be a blinder.
Light Night takes place all over Nottingham City Centre on Friday 10 February.
If you’ve taken some lovely snaps at Light Night in previous years, or are planning to take your camera with you this year, you can send in your favourites to Nottingham City Council and be in with a chance of winning something undetermined, but probably cool. Entries close on Friday 17 February, and winners are announced on Friday 17 March.
Light Night website
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