'Highly anticipated' Illuminate returns to Plymouth for two weeks from TODAY
Bioluminescent algae, projected realities, and immersive environments are set to light up the city
Illuminate is returning to Plymouth bringing magical light art and immersive digital installations from 15 to 28 November 2021.
Led by Real Ideas Organisation, the city's much loved annual light art event last took place in November 2019.
Much has changed in the two years since the event last ran so Illuminate is changing too. Instead of a large-scale event at Royal William Yard, this year there will be a two-week programme, mostly in and around Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard and at the Market Hall in Devonport.
This will include light art, installations and immersive experiences for everyone to enjoy as well as a host of workshops and sessions for people to participate in.
Illuminate will also reflect on and respond to COP26 with a focus on the climate crisis, exploring what it means to each of us and how we can all contribute to making change happen.
This year will also see greater focus on commissioning work from British creatives and local artists to support the cultural sector, which was hard hit during the pandemic; and to creating participative activities for children and people of all ages.
Real Ideas’ CEO, Lindsey Hall says: "Plymouth is a city of incredibly talented makers who are rapidly growing our vibrant cultural, immersive and digital sectors.
"Illuminate is now a much anticipated, major event and like other global cities, we aim to provide wonderfully vibrant and engaging immersive experiences for our Plymouth and South West citizens to enjoy, especially at this darker time of year.
"We have used the unintended break caused by COVID to reflect on feedback from previous Illuminates and make changes.
"We listened when people told us very big crowds prevented people spending as much time as they wished enjoying installations and that there wasn’t enough for children to do.
"We are also very aware how much has changed since the last Illuminate in 2019, the increased focus on climate change and the need for us all to come together and act.
"In this context, we are very excited to bring a re-imagined Illuminate back to the city, with an extended, two-week programme that gives us all more opportunity to reflect on the amazing world we live in and what we, as citizens can do to safeguard and support the planet."
Lindsey Hall - CEO of Real Ideas Organisation
The event will be operated by a timed and ticketed entry system. General Admission tickets are free to book, alongside a number of paid events and all can be found here: https://illuminate-festival.co.uk/.