Nottingham Light Night returns this week

The event is returning on Friday, February 2, and Saturday, February 3, for its 16th year. 

Over the two nights, Nottingham will be lit up by 30 interactive light-based installations. 

One of the main attractions will be a six-metre-tall inflatable light structure, called The World Has Gone Pear Shaped, in Sussex Street. 

Using NASA’s high-resolution 3D images, the illuminated project highlights how humankind is altering the earth and is a playful take on the dystopias of our time.

The World Has Gone Pear Shaped will be illuminated between 5pm and 10pm on Friday and Saturday night. 

Old Market Square will be dappled with light from Our Beating Heart – a rotating sculpture featuring thousands of mirror fragments. 

This exhibit will also be lit up between 5pm and 10pm on both evenings. 

The installation will accompany a beating heart soundtrack and mash-up of heart-themed songs produced by local DJ Jez Prince X HAZE, with additional lighting designed by Luminism.

At Nottingham Castle, visitors can see a collection of neon lights created by Chila Kumari Burman, whose work has recently been shown in Manchester, Brighton, and London’s Tate Britain.

An art exhibit created by Bluecoat Aspley Academy students will be projected onto the walls of Nottingham Castle, near the Robin Hood Statue.

Another must-see exhibit is the Neon Dreams On Their Way To You illumination at Nottingham Castle. 

This exhibit is a collection of neon lights created by Chila Kumari Burman, featuring an ice cream van, tuk-tuk, sun and bees. 

Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m delighted that Nottingham Light Night will be returning for its 16th year, once again offering a free and accessible cultural event across the city centre for everyone to enjoy. 

“You can see impressive installations from national and international artists, using the latest technology, alongside performances and activities from Nottingham’s local creatives. 

“Light Night will open up Nottingham’s fantastic spaces and venues after dark and celebrate our diverse city.”

You can find the full programme here.