Coventry city centre to be Brought to Light tomorrow evening

A magical light installation suspended above Broadgate will be the centrepiece of Coventry city centre’s Christmas lights this year.

Coventry City of Culture Trust, working with Coventry City Council and Coventry BID, commissioned award-winning light studio Creatmosphere to make the artwork in collaboration with Coventry residents.

Through nine workshops, arranged with organisations including Grapevine, Carriers of Hope and Men Shed, members of the local community have created the designs for over 300 solar-powered lanterns by answering ‘what lights you up?’. These lanterns will hang above Broadgate from ultraviolet ‘string’ that criss-crosses across the buildings bringing the square to light.

The installation is being erected in time to go live on the night of the city centre Christmas lights switch-on on Wednesday, November 20.

This is the Trust’s second outdoor event this winter, following the Carnival of Lights which travelled from Foleshill to Broadgate earlier this month.

Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “This new lighting installation is an example of the fantastic artistic projects we can create with the people of Coventry.

“Residents who created these beautiful lanterns were tasked to think of something that made them happy.  It’s going to be great to see all of these beacons of goodwill hanging above Broadgate.

“Christmas is a time for peace, love and hope. We're delighted to have supported communities to create this unique festive installation."

Andy Williams, Director of Business Investment and Culture at Coventry City Council, said: “We’re all looking forward to an exciting and memorable evening for all the family to enjoy. The animation and the lighting installation provide a new attraction to this year’s event, so we want people to come out and enter into the Christmas spirit in the city centre on the evening.”

Trish Willetts, Coventry BID Manager and Director, said: “It’s fantastic to see this project come to life and bring an additional element of festive cheer to the Christmas lights this year.
 

“We are proud to play a part in the magic and look forward to getting everyone in to the spirit of the season with our beautiful Christmas trees, as well as the various events that are running in the city throughout December. Keep an eye on the City Centre Facebook page for all the exciting #YuleLoveCov details.”

The Coventry City of Culture Trust is encouraging people to post images, video and messages on social media using the hashtag #BroughtToLight