As the nights grow longer, Lightwaves Salford returns to illuminate Salford Quays and MediaCity with a display of light art installations. Now in its 11th year, this much-loved light show has become a cornerstone of the festive season, offering a chance to experience the transformative power of light art in the heart of Greater Manchester. The event also features stunning displays of Christmas trees, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Lightwaves Salford began over a decade ago with the vision of bringing innovative, free-to-access art to the public realm. Over the years, it has grown into one of the UK’s leading light festivals, showcasing cutting-edge works by both established and emerging artists. Each December, Lightwaves draws thousands of visitors to explore thought-provoking, playful, and awe-inspiring artworks that animate and transform the Quays’ waterside landscape. As a free event, it invites everyone to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere without any admission fees.
Lightwaves Salford Event Overview
Lightwaves Salford Quays Festival is a spectacular digital light celebration that takes place in the heart of Salford Quays and MediaCity, Manchester from Quays Culture. The event features a trail of dramatic light art installations, showcasing the work of emerging and established artists from local, national, and international backgrounds. With a focus on bringing extraordinary art to the public spaces of Salford Quays and MediaCity, the show is a must-visit event for art lovers and families alike.
What to Expect
Lightwaves Salford 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing extraordinary art to the heart of Salford Quays and MediaCity. This free festival will transform the area into a dazzling display of dramatic light art installations, showcasing the work of emerging artists and established creatives. As you wander through the 2km trail, you can expect to be mesmerized by the sheer scale and beauty of the illuminated artworks, which will animate public spaces and bring the area to life. From interactive installations that respond to your movements to thought-provoking pieces that invite reflection, every corner of Salford Quays and MediaCity will be bathed in light and creativity. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, Lightwaves Salford offers a magical journey through a landscape reimagined by light.
Why Light Festivals Matter
Light festivals like Lightwaves hold a special place in the festive season. As winter brings shorter days and colder nights, these festivals create warmth, joy, and connection, providing a beacon of hope and celebration. They also animate public spaces and provide interactive installation and illuminated works from established artists and collectives.
Light has universal appeal—it transcends language and cultural barriers, inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to come together. The act of gathering under glowing installations fosters a shared sense of wonder, creating memorable moments with friends, family, and even strangers. Additionally, light art’s ability to transform familiar spaces into magical environments encourages visitors to see their surroundings in a new way and animate public spaces with extraordinary art and cultural events.
For communities, light festivals offer a reprieve from the seasonal hustle, bringing calm, creativity, and an opportunity for reflection. They remind us of the beauty of collective experiences, particularly at a time of year often associated with giving, togetherness, and new beginnings.
The Transformative Power of Dramatic Light Art Installations
Light art has a unique ability to transform urban spaces and evoke emotional responses. It connects us to our surroundings and each other, offering moments of wonder and joy in the everyday. At Lightwaves, installations like Reflect by Emma Gasson encourage contemplation, while interactive pieces such as On the Wave of Light invite playful engagement.
For Salford, Lightwaves isn’t just an art show—it’s a celebration of creativity and innovation, shining a spotlight on the city’s rich cultural heritage and its role as a hub for cutting-edge art and technology.
What’s New for 2024
This year, Lightwaves Salford features 14 installations along a 2km accessible trail around Salford Quays and MediaCity, including five world premieres. The occasion blends art, technology, and innovation to create a sensory journey that delights and inspires.
Here’s a look at all 14 installations and their creators:
1. Monad by Anastasia Isachsen
A monumental water projection artwork, Monad uses a mist screen to display hypnotic visuals, paired with an emotive soundtrack by jazz composer Arve Henriksen. Norwegian artist Isachsen is known for her large-scale video installations and her exploration of emotional landscapes.
2. Stellar Waves by Lazerian (Liam Hopkins)
Manchester-based studio Lazerian, led by designer Liam Hopkins, presents a kinetic sculpture inspired by space exploration and 1980s graphic aesthetics. Hopkins is celebrated for his playful and innovative designs.
3. Dreams by illumaphonium
Created by Michael Davis, this interactive light and sound installation features over 6km of LEDs. Davis, a British artist, specialises in participatory artworks that blend technology and play.
4. The Matter of the Heart by idontloveyouanymore
An interactive field of 100 flashing hearts, this piece uses real-time heartbeat data from Manchester and Salford communities. This award-winning studio explores emotional connectivity through technology.
5. A Cry for Help by Ben Everard
Known for his work with environmental themes, Everard highlights the plight of the insect world through a series of interactive glittering sculptures that respond to proximity.
6. Entwined by Are You Playing Out
A collaboration by sound and visual artists, this multisensory installation celebrates Salford’s community spirit through sculpture, light, and voices.
7. Red Field by Nye Thompson & Krisstoffer Dunk
A simulated Martian landscape invites visitors to leave their mark on an alien world. Thompson and Dunk are known for their explorations of digital and political themes in art.
8. For Peace! by Sedemminut
Slovakian artist Sedemminut presents a moving 125-meter-long display of animated figures transitioning from walking to running, symbolising freedom and peace.
9. Reflect by Emma Gasson
Gasson’s tranquil installation uses water and light to create ripples of reflection, inviting personal introspection. Her work often explores themes of mindfulness and calm.
10. I Caught A… by Stéphane Masson
French artist Masson creates playful, surreal installations. This work features a cage showcasing changing curiosities like goldfish, clouds, or elephants.
- On the Wave of Light by Those Guys Lighting
Latvian duo Those Guys Lighting bring an interactive experience with 100 light poles that respond to visitor movements, creating vibrant waves of light.
- Through No. 4 by Liz West
Originally commissioned by Quays Culture in 2021, West’s kaleidoscopic installation has become a show favorite. The new lighting for 2024 adds even more magic.
- The Light Within by Academy of Live Technology Students
This debut piece, created by emerging artists, explores how light affects well-being through interactive and playful elements.
- SYSTEM LIGHTWAVES PSB by Gaika and Belinda Everett
An immersive artwork blending light, screens, and sounds, this collaboration explores urban cycling culture, with contributions from Manchester’s Bicycle Mayor. System lightwaves lights up the Quays culture programme.
Community Engagement
The Lightwaves Salford Quays Festival is deeply committed to community engagement and participation. The light celebration features a range of interactive installations and activities that cater to younger visitors, including glittering insect sculptures and interactive light displays. The festival also incorporates data from the local community, including heartbeat data from real people, to create a truly immersive experience. By animating public spaces and bringing art to the community, the event aims to foster a sense of connection and creativity among local residents.
Creative Program
The Creative Program at Lightwaves Salford 2024 is designed to inspire and delight visitors of all ages. This year’s program features a range of interactive installations, including a glittering insect sculpture that highlights the importance of protecting the insect world. Younger visitors will love the interactive light installations, while adults will appreciate the thought-provoking and visually stunning artworks on display. As part of the Quays Culture program, Lightwaves Salford 2024 is committed to bringing extraordinary art to the people of Salford and beyond. With its unique blend of art, technology, and community engagement, this festival is not to be missed. From the whimsical to the profound, the Creative Program offers something for everyone, ensuring that each visitor leaves with a sense of wonder and inspiration.
A Free Light Celebration for Everyone
Lightwaves Salford, held at Media City and part of the Quays Culture Programme, is a partnership initiative bringing extraordinary art and culture events to the community for free. Whether you’re seeking family fun, artistic inspiration, or a moment of reflection, this spectacle has something for everyone.
Logistics
The Lightwaves Salford Quays Festival takes place from 5-8 December 2024, with the showstopping water-based ‘Monad’ artwork extended until 22 December. The spectacle features 14 illuminated artworks along a 2km fully accessible trail around MediaCity and Salford Quays. The trail includes installations of different scales using light, sound, and technology, with Monad as the centerpiece overlooking MediaCity’s iconic Piazza. The event is free to attend and does not require booking, making it accessible to a wide range of people.
Accessibility
The Lightwaves Salford Quays Festival is committed to accessibility and inclusivity. The show takes place in public spaces that are fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. The trail is also designed to be wheelchair-friendly, with clear signage and accessible pathways. Additionally, Lightwaves features a range of interactive installations that cater to visitors with sensory sensitivities, including quiet areas and tactile experiences.
Getting Involved
If you’re interested in getting involved with the Lightwaves Salford Quays Festival, there are a range of opportunities available. The showcase is always looking for volunteers to help with event management, installation setup, and community engagement. You can also get involved by attending one of the festival’s community workshops or events, which offer a range of activities and interactive experiences. For more information on getting involved, please contact the event team directly.
Save the Date
📅 Thursday, 5th – Sunday, 8th December 2024
🕓 4pm – 10pm
📍 Salford Quays & MediaCity
✨ Monad will continue to light up the waterside until 22nd December.
Celebrate the festive season with Lightwaves Salford—a journey of wonder, creativity, and community.
For more details, visit Quays Culture