A new light festival is expected to transform Weston-super-Mare as it illuminates the seaside town for three days.
GLOW has been conceived by local artist and producer Paula Birtwistle and promises a magical, sensory experience celebrating light and the natural landscape.
It starts next month and is entirely sustainably prodiced.
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Presented by Culture Weston in partnership with Weston-super-Mare Town Council the creators of the famous 50-tonne ‘Spider’, Arcadia, are bringing their Flaming Lampposts installation which stars a series of Victorian-style lampposts entwined with recycled vehicle exhausts to give a treelike appearance, that emit jets of fire.
As well as this, Thingumajig Theatre's Ghost Caribou giant illuminated puppet, which is a part caribou, will take to the streets of Weston. The installation is said to be partly made up of a spirit, which roams the mystical world after dark in an atmospheric, other-worldly performance piece.
Other spectacles include a Tree of Life lit up by people’s pedal power, a Swing Tree, Disco Ball Bandstand, Laser Sky, the UK's largest bug hotel with willow insects installation, community lantern trail, poetry soundscape projections, recorded choral music and more.
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There will also be unexpected theatrical encounters including pop-up performances inspired by Dr Seuss’ The Lorax, by Weston’s ‘From the Mud’ theatre company.
Members of the local community have also been a part of the creation process for the incredible features for GLOW; including Friends of Grove Park phosphorescent painted bug trail, Pride rainbow lighting, lantern-making workshops with Boombox Youth Project, weaving willow insects with local artist Helen Wheelock, soundscapes featuring poetry from Chapter One creative writing group and recorded choral music from Costanzi Consort chamber choir.
Speaking on the event the producer of GLOW Paula Birtwistle, said: “We can’t wait to bring some extra special magic to Grove Park. It is fantastic to be able to put on such an uplifting and free event, which is a first for the town.
"GLOW is a sustainably produced event, designed to enhance the beautiful natural landscape of this much-loved community asset and provide people with a memorable and playful experience."
“We want to thank all the funding partners, Friends Of Grove Park and members of the community who have made this possible and look forward to welcoming people in Weston and beyond to the world of GLOW!”
And Town Clerk Malcolm Nicholson, said: “The Town Council is delighted to support the GLOW event with Culture Weston, bringing joy to the community and lighting up February. This free event will provide magical fun for all the family.”
To make the experience all the more enjoyable, Culture Weston bar will be serving up a range of locally sourced beverages, snacks and hot, mulled cider; whilst Loves Cafe in Weston will be providing a hot chocolate stall with homemade vegan cakes. So you can grab and bite to eat and enjoy the spectacle.
The event will run from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 February, 6 pm to 9 pm each evening.
Although the event is free, tickets to the event need to be booked in advance in order for allocated time slots to be given to ensure a steady flow of people enjoying the trail in a safe way. As well as this, under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Donations will also be accepted.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Culture Weston website here.
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