Home Arts Your images from the second Longbridge Light Festival

[Video] Your images from the second Longbridge Light Festival

31 October 2016

The Longbridge Light Festival returned to Longbridge Town Centre last weekend and took on the theme of the “Shadow Factory”.

Over 35 artists from the UK, USA, Germany and Spain travelled to perform and be part of the second Longbridge Light Festival, with over 6,000 people in attendance on the night – 10 per cent higher than the 2014 event.

This year’s festival took on the theme of the “Shadow Factory”, a historical reference to the Shadow Scheme of the Second World War, where the factory was said to have been painted to resemble terraced houses and streetscapes from the air by local artists, and was led by Lord Austin, founder of the Austin Motor Company.

Commissioned by WERK, Birmingham and internationally based artists presented a dramatic series of spectacular light and art installations across the town centre, alongside family workshops, live music, pop-up art and theatre performances. A festival ‘night-market’ was also delivered for the first time, presenting a host of market stalls and award-winning street food, which proved a big hit with visitors.

Mike Murray, development director at St. Modwen, said: “Longbridge Light Festival represents everything that is great about Longbridge; its ability to reinvent itself and look to the future whilst remembering its heritage; the vibrant new community which has been built out of the ongoing £1 billion regeneration of the area, and the efforts of local people and LPAP to deliver great arts and community events – without whom this festival simply couldn’t happen.

“The 2016 festival has yet again attracted thousands of visitors, resulting in a dramatic increase in spend for town centre businesses, as well as bringing a feel-good factor to the area. It’s been an all-round success, and was a great way to celebrate St. Modwen’s

Claire Farrell, WERK Artistic Director and Festival Curator, said: “We are absolutely delighted the festival was a success. It has been an incredible experience over the last few years, working in such a unique area steeped in history and with so many wonderful people that have helped shape LPAP and many of the artists’ works.

“The project and festivals could not have happened without the generosity of St. Modwen, Arts Council West Midlands, Bournville College, Birmingham City Council and so many businesses based in the area – I’d like to thank everyone for their support.”