Plymouth to trip the ‘Light Fantastic’ in celebration of Three Towns centenary

The 100th anniversary of the amalgamation of the three towns of Plymouth, East Stonehouse and Devonport will be celebrated in lights next month, thanks to a £36,203 grant from Arts Council England (ACE).

Plymouth City Council’s arts and heritage service has successfully secured the funding for a special lighting project, which will see iconic buildings in each of the original ‘Three Town’ areas transformed into illuminated beacons.

On Friday 28 November, Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse, the Palace Theatre in Stonehouse and Devonport Guildhall will be brought to life with video projections featuring photographs, images and memories inspired by the local communities.

On Saturday 29 November, the Civic Centre will be the venue for a combined finale projection.

The ‘Light Fantastic’ illuminations will run between 6.30pm and 9pm on both evenings and people may even be able to spot themselves on the buildings.

Illuminos, the artists behind the project, are running community workshops in each of the Three Town areas where they are collecting the memories, ideas, thoughts and images that will inspire the projections.

There are ways for other members of the public to get involved too.

Free drop-in sessions will take place from 10am to 1pm on Monday 27 October at the Central Library and on Tuesday 28 October at the City Museum and Art Gallery. Anyone who would like to be filmed for the projections, share their photographs and stories or try their hand at some simple craft activities is welcome to go along.

If people can’t make it to these sessions there are other ways to get involved by making origami boats and houses or writing and recording haikus. More information can be found online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/lightfantastic.

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England said: “This project is an outstanding example of how public art can celebrate and – in this case literally – illuminate the history of a city and its people. We are delighted to have been able to support it through our National Lottery-funded Grants for the Arts scheme.”

Councillor Peter Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “The amalgamation of the Three Towns in 1914 is a key milestone in the journey that made Plymouth what it is today. Light Fantastic is a brilliant opportunity for us to mark an historic occasion in an innovative and inclusive way that will engage with communities and create a real spectacle. I’m really looking forward to seeing the end result.”

Light Fantastic is one of a number of light-themed events taking place across Plymouth this November. These include Bonfire Night on the Hoe, the Christmas lights switch-ons in the city centre and on the Barbican and ‘Illuminate’ at the Mayflower Steps and Smeaton’s Tower.

For more information about all these events visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk.