Plymouth to trip the ‘Light Fantastic’ in celebration of Three Towns centenary - The Box, Plymouth

By: Jo Clarke
Added: 21 October 2014

The 100th anniversary of the amalgamation of the three towns of Plymouth, East Stonehouse and Devonport will be celebrated in lights next month, thanks to a £36,203 grant from Arts Council England (ACE).

Plymouth City Council’s arts and heritage service has successfully secured the funding for a special lighting project, which will see iconic buildings in each of the original ‘Three Town’ areas transformed into illuminated beacons.

On Friday 28 November, Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse, the Palace Theatre in Stonehouse and Devonport Guildhall will be brought to life with video projections featuring photographs, images and memories inspired by the local communities.

On Saturday 29 November, the Civic Centre will be the venue for a combined finale projection.

The ‘Light Fantastic’ illuminations will run between 6.30pm and 9pm on both evenings and people may even be able to spot themselves on the buildings.

Illuminos, the artists behind the project, are running community workshops in each of the Three Town areas where they are collecting the memories, ideas, thoughts and images that will inspire the projections.

There are ways for other members of the public to get involved too by making origami boats and houses or writing and recording haikus. More information can be found online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/lightfantastic

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England said: “This project is an outstanding example of how public art can celebrate and – in this case literally – illuminate the history of a city and its people. We are delighted to have been able to support it through our National Lottery-funded Grants for the Arts scheme.”

Councillor Peter Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “The amalgamation of the Three Towns in 1914 is a key milestone in the journey that made Plymouth what it is today. ‘Light Fantastic’ is a brilliant opportunity for us to mark an historic occasion in an innovative and inclusive way that will engage with communities and create a real spectacle. I’m really looking forward to seeing the end result.”

‘Light Fantastic’ is one of a number of light-themed events taking place across Plymouth this November. These include Bonfire Night on the Hoe, the Christmas lights switch-ons in the city centre and on the Barbican, and ‘Illuminate’ at the Mayflower Steps and Smeaton’s Tower.

For more information about all these events visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk.

The project is also the beginning of an exciting new programme of public art for the city, which will be led by Plymouth Culture.

Ends

For more information, photographs or interview opportunities call Jo Clarke on 01752 306228 or email jo.clarke@plymouth.gov.uk.

Notes for editors

The modern day city of Plymouth has grown out of three once separate neighbouring towns of Plymouth, East Stonehouse and Devonport.

Throughout the 1880s, the towns steadily grew in size and began to merge unofficially on the ground.

The beginning of the First World War and the government’s need for streamlined communication finally saw them joined as one in November 1914.

The combined town took the name of Plymouth.

Plymouth eventually went on to achieve city status in 1928.