Lightwaves Salford 2024: A Mesmerising Celebration of Light Sculpture
The 11th edition of Lightwaves Salford lit up the Quays in spectacular fashion, transforming the waterside at Salford Quays and MediaCity into a radiant festival of creativity. Bringing extraordinary art to the community, this beloved annual event, running from December 6th to 8th, featured 14 light installations, including five world premieres, offering visitors a magical experience of light, sound, and interactive art.
One of the highlights was an artwork titled ‘A Cry For Help’ by Ben Everard, which used glittering insect sculptures to raise awareness about the insect world. These sculptures responded to audience presence, dimming when no one was nearby and brightening as people approached, showcasing the urgent need for environmental consciousness and engagement.
A particularly poignant piece which used responsive insect sculptures to create a dialogue around the need for conservation and awareness regarding the plight of insects. This installation highlighted the importance of the insect world, engaging visitors and prompting them to consider their impact on this ecosystem.
Event Overview
Lightwaves Salford is a spectacular digital light festival that transforms Salford Quays and MediaCity into a vibrant canvas of dramatic light art installations. The 11th edition of the festival promises to bring extraordinary art to the public spaces, showcasing the work of emerging and established artists from local, national, and international backgrounds. With 14 illuminated sculptures on display, the festival is set to animate public spaces and captivate audiences of all ages.
An Artistic Showcase of Light and Emotion
This year’s highlight was Monad by acclaimed artist Anastasia Isachsen. Spanning an impressive 30 meters, this projection-based artwork used a mist of water as its screen, with an evocative musical composition by jazz maestro Arve Henriksen enhancing the visual spectacle. While the festival officially concluded, Monad will remain on display until December 22nd, extending the magic thanks to support from MediaCity.
Kate Doyle, Head of Programme for Quays Culture, described the event as a beacon of joy during the dark winter months: “Lightwaves Salford continues to delight audiences of all ages. The thought-provoking new commissions this year were among our best yet, and the reaction from visitors was incredible.”
Another standout piece was Dreams by Illumaphonium, an interactive installation of over 6km of LED lights suspended above visitors. As audiences moved, the lights and sounds responded, creating a dynamic, collective experience that grew more dramatic with every new participant. The dramatic light art installations captivated attendees, transforming the Quays into a mesmerising landscape of illuminated creativity.
Artist Inspiration and Process
The artists behind Lightwaves Salford draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including the natural world, technology, and human experience. The creative process involves a combination of traditional and modern techniques, from woodworking and electrical work to fiber art and mosaic art. Each sculpture is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation that requires careful planning and execution. The artists’ use of translucent materials, such as paper and wood, allows for the creation of intricate, glowing sculptures that seem to come alive in the dark.
Innovative and Thought-Provoking Dramatic Light Art Installations
Each corner of the Quays held something unique to discover:
- System Lightwaves PSB by Gaika and Manchester’s Bicycle Mayor, Belinda Everett, explored the chaotic energy of urban cycling, blending lights, sounds, and motion.
- The Matter of the Heart by idontloveyouanymore transformed real-time heartbeats into a glowing display of 100 flashing hearts, symbolizing community resilience and connection.
- Stellar Waves by Lazerian’s Liam Hopkins took visitors on a journey inspired by space exploration and 1980s aesthetics with a visionary kinetic sculpture.
- RED FIELD by Nye Thompson x Krisstoffer Dunk offered an immersive Martian experience, inviting visitors to leave their mark on an alien landscape.
Emerging artists also made significant contributions to the festival, showcasing innovative and fresh perspectives through their illuminated artworks.
From playful works like Stéphane Masson’s I Caught a…which revealed whimsical curiosities in a cage, to serene moments like Emma Gasson’s REFLECTwhich encouraged quiet contemplation, the event catered to diverse tastes and emotions.
Salford Quays as the Canvas
Salford Quays provides the perfect backdrop for Lightwaves Salford, with its stunning waterfront location and modern architecture. The festival’s use of public spaces, including the Quays and MediaCity, allows for a unique and immersive experience, with the sculptures and installations blending seamlessly into the surroundings. The Quays Culture programme, which includes Lightwaves Salford, is designed to bring extraordinary art to the public spaces, making it accessible to everyone.
A Celebration of Community and Creativity by Quays Culture
Lightwaves also celebrated community through installations like Entwinedwhich blended voices, light, and sound to represent Salford’s unity, and A Cry for Help by Ben Everard, a poignant call to action for insect conservation. The extraordinary art on display highlighted the transformative nature of these installations, enriching the cultural landscape and engaging the community.
Translucent sculptures, crafted from materials such as paper, wood, and reed, and illuminated with innovative LED lighting techniques, showcased the intricate craftsmanship and creativity involved in their creation.
Returning favorites, like Liz West’s Through No 4were reimagined with creative lighting, shining brighter than ever on the Quayside.
A Winter Tradition That Shines Brighter Every Year
Lightwaves Salford is part of the Light Up the North network, which brings together northern light festivals to share their collective expertise. Supported by Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the festival continues to grow in scale and ambition, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
The festival also fostered community collaboration through The Light Withina playful and interactive piece created by students at the Academy of Live Technology. This installation explored the impact of light on mental well-being, showcasing the creativity and technical skills of the next generation of artists.
Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes, the team at Quays Culture works tirelessly to bring Lightwaves Salford to life. From collaborating with emerging artists to coordinating the logistics of the festival, the team’s dedication and expertise ensure that the festival is a success. Manchester’s Bicycle Mayor, Belinda Everett, is involved in the creation of one of the sculptures, SYSTEM LIGHTWAVES PSB, which combines lights and cycling in a unique and innovative way. The festival’s partnership with Guys Lighting and other organisations helps to make the event possible, bringing extraordinary art to the public spaces of Salford Quays.
The 11th edition of Lightwaves Salford not only illuminated the Quays with breathtaking installations but also brought together artists and audiences in meaningful dialogue. A standout moment of the festival was the Artist Talk and Q&Afeaturing Gaika and Liam Hopkins (Lazerian), hosted by the charismatic Danny Fahey (Thirty Pound Gentleman).
Held on Saturday, December 7th, at the Quayside MediaCity shopping mall, this in-person conversation offered an exclusive glimpse into the creative minds behind two of this year’s premiere commissions. Both Gaika and Liam Hopkins shared insights into their artistic practices, inspirations, and the stories behind their brand-new works unveiled at Lightwaves.
This intimate event not only deepened appreciation for the featured artworks but also fostered connections within the local art community. Attendees left with a better understanding of how these talented artists approach their craft and the broader messages their art seeks to convey.
Meet the Artists
Subject
A multidisciplinary artist and activist, Gaika is celebrated as one of Britain’s most vital Black voices. His unique artistic language fuses the dark grit of UK club culture with thought-provoking high-art engagements. From his involvement in the British Art Show (BAS9) and Venice Biennale 2023 to a Somerset House residency, Gaika has created over 70 works in the past four years. Using light, audio, and visual media, his powerful pieces deliver urgent, resonant messages. At Lightwaves, Gaika’s premiere work System Lightwaves PSB explored the intersection of urban cycling culture and survival.
Liam Hopkins (Lazerian)
Founder of the multidisciplinary creative studio Lazerian, Liam Hopkins has been crafting large-scale artworks, public installations, bespoke sculptures, and innovative furniture since 2006. Based in a former hat factory in Denton, Manchester, Lazerian’s work blends craftsmanship with cutting-edge design. At Lightwaves, Liam presented Stellar Wavesa kinetic light sculpture inspired by space exploration and 1980s aesthetics, captivating audiences with its visionary design.
Danny ‘Falz’ Fahey
Danny Fahey, Culture and Partnerships Director at Thirty Pound Gentleman, brought his wealth of experience in urban culture to the conversation. A pioneering figure in the UK Garage and Rap scenes, Danny’s career has spanned over two decades, influencing the evolution of UK MC culture and bridging the gap between grassroots creativity and commercial success.
A Festive VIP Launch
The festival officially kicked off with a VIP launch event on Thursday, December 5th, at the Lowry Bar & Kitchen. Artists, stakeholders, and partners gathered to celebrate the opening of Lightwaves Salford 2024 with a drinks reception and an exclusive first look at the trail of 14 spectacular light installations. The evening featured speeches from key figures and provided an inspiring start to a weekend filled with creativity and innovation.
A Lasting Impression
Although the main festival has concluded, its legacy continues with the extended run of Monad by Anastasia Isachsen, available to view until December 22nd at MediaCity. This awe-inspiring water-based projection piece remains a must-see, offering audiences a chance to bask in the festival’s magic for a little while longer.
Lightwaves Salford 2024 once again demonstrated its ability to unite artists, communities, and visitors in a shared celebration of creativity. From the innovative installations to the engaging artist talks, this year’s festival was a testament to the transformative power of light and art.
A Lasting Legacy of Lightwaves Salford
Although Lightwaves 2024 has officially concluded, its impact lingers on. Monadwith its breathtaking scale and emotive soundtrack, remains on display until December 22nd, offering one final chance to experience its magic.
Lightwaves Salford 2024 proved once again why it’s a cornerstone of the winter season—bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and illuminating the long nights with art, joy, and wonder. For those who attended, it was a celebration of light in every sense of the word.
While the festival has ended, the extended run of Monad offers a final chance to experience this breathtaking display. For those who attended, Lightwaves 2024 left an indelible mark as a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community spirit—bringing light and joy to the darkest days of winter.
