Strange creatures flying through the air, incredible nocturnal gardens, painted facades of iconic buildings – this is London as you have never seen it before and it is all in the cause of Art.
This is the Lumiere Light Festival, held between 18th and 21st January and is guaranteed to entertain, amuse and enthrall the thousands of people who take to the streets to discover its delights. Throughout the city, a variety of light installations will be set up in parks, gardens and across buildings to create a stunning wonderland of colour. There are over 40 artists of global stature, including many UK artists taking part in the festival. Their brief has been simple – create something that will amaze, brightening up the dark winter nights.
It was two years ago that the first Lumiere festival was held in London and the results were stupendous. Over 1.3 million people came from far and wide to explore the attractions, walking miles around the streets keen to see as many of the installations as possible. For richer experience, try booking aparthotels in Kensington to avoid spending fare on travelling.
This year, the festival will cover an even bigger area, stretching both sides of the River Thames. The festival destinations include Kings Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Mayfair, all the West End, Victoria, Covent Garden, Seven Dials, Westminster, the South Bank and Waterloo and are well connected to many serviced apartments London. As the Festival covers four nights, it is possible to divide up the areas and cover a different section each night so as to reduce the amount of walking required.
So what can festival goers expect this year? It will certainly be imaginative, lively and colourful creating fresh insights into the various areas of London.
Take Leicester Square Gardens for example, which are best known as a great place to relax while waiting for a film. During the festival, it will become a stunning, illuminated secret world inhabited by curious nocturnal creatures. Walking its paths will bring delight and enchantment. Alternatively you can head down to Westminster Abbey where the great Gothic façade is set to be painted in light, whereas at Kings Cross a glittering mass of light is set to roll and splinter within a soundscape. Or you can stand and quietly watch blue light grow up like ivy along the sides of a house in South Audley Street.
Wherever you go during the Festival nights while a resident at Presidential Apartments Kensington, dress warmly and be prepared for long walks. There will be much to see and do, amid crowds that are ready for the fun. Maps can be downloaded from the internet by looking up www.visitlondon.com/lumiere/programme/map.
