Knowsley promises A New Dawn for its Borough of Culture year
Knowsley is launching its year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture in illuminating fashion.
A New Dawn is a series of light spectaculars which will take place at locations across the borough during January and February, involving town centres, landmarks and public buildings.
They include a 16-storey residential tower block, woodland and the exterior of Knowsley Hall.
All the events will be free to attend but some may involve pre-booking tickets or places.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Communities & Neighbourhoods said: “The idea of the ‘lights coming on’ at the start of 2022 is something quite special and will be really powerful to see.
“That gradual movement from darkness into the light will help to build momentum and we’re delighted to be working with internationally renowned artists and producers to bring these amazing moments to Knowsley.”
Here’s what you can see and where.
Tall Tales: Stockbridge Village, on January 7-8
A new large-scale community artwork by video projection experts Illuminos which will see Merecliff – a residential 16 storey tower in Stockbridge Village - animated and illuminated in light.
The dramatic projection, which will be accompanied by a soundtrack, will tell the story of local people and communities who have shared their stories, memories, hopes and dreams about the place they call home.
This event is being delivered in partnership with Knowsley Council, ForHousing and the local community.
Aqualux: Kirkby Town Centre, from January 14-28
Aqualux is a stunning 8m x3m (26ft x 10ft) light installation planned for Kirkby town centre and delivered in partnership with Blackpool Illuminations.
The artwork consists of 48 containers which can hold up to 1,000 litres of water – the average consumption of a household over a year.
Coming to life after dark, the illuminated artwork will also be accompanied by music to create a memorable and magical experience while raising awareness of the need to conserve and protect our fragile water supplies.
A switch on event on January 14 will include Spark illuminated drummers.
Photo: Visit Blackpool
The Magic Wood: Halewood, from January 21-23
Over three consecutive evenings Court Farm Woods in Halewood will be transformed into an enchanted spectacle of light, music and fiery woodland creatures.
Hand crafted, intricate fire sculptures will transform the space into an outdoor gallery of wonder where visitors will be able to wander through the attractions or stand and watch the spectacle unfold.
The bespoke Walk the Plank event will feature performances from Bring the Fire Project, harpist Rebecca Mills and a special family performance set in giant golden birdcage. Numbers are limited and tickets should be booked in advance from December 8.
Gaia: St Chad’s, Kirkby, from January 28 to February 17
Artist Luke Jerram’s Gaia, an astonishing giant illuminated replica of the earth based on imagery and data from NASA, is coming to St Chad’s Church in Kirkby for a three-week stay.
The installation includes a special surround sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.
A wide-ranging programme of events and activities is being devised for Gaia’s visit to Kirkby.
Submergence: Huyton Village Centre, from February 12-14
Submergence is a reflective, immersive walkthrough experience consisting of thousands of individual points of suspended light and which will go on display in Sherbourne Square in Huyton Village.
Visitors will be encouraged to enter the artwork to experience the amazing light illusion for themselves. Alongside Submergence, Huyton will also be home to a second light installation, by Squid Soup, details of which are yet to be revealed.
Photo top: Sean Craddock
New Dawn Light Spectacular: Knowsley Hall, on February 18-19
The New Dawn programme will come to a spectacular finale at Knowsley Hall over two consecutive evenings in February.
The historic hall will be illuminated, in two shows each evening, with a series of dramatic projections recreating a vision of a pop-up story book – a fairy-tale of lights and sound telling the stories of Knowsley.
Delivered by video projection artist’s Illuminos and accompanied by an atmospheric soundtrack from Liverpool composer Patrick Dineen, it promises to create a unique and memorable moment for all visitors.
Numbers are limited, so anyone interested in attending should register to be part of a ballot to receive ‘golden tickets’.
Photo: Illuminos
For full details on A New Dawn and to secure tickets or enter the ticket ballot, visit the Knowsley Borough of Culture website HERE