Illuminate festival 2021 to shine a light on climate crisis

24th September 2021

Illuminate is returning to Plymouth bringing magical light art and immersive digital installations from 15 to 28 November 2021.

Led by Real Ideas Organisation, Plymouth’s much loved annual light art event last took place in November 2019 and despite attempts to run it in November 2020 and February 2021, COVID restrictions and lockdowns prevented it taking place.

Much has changed in the two years since the event last ran so Illuminate is changing too. Instead of a large-scale event at Royal William Yard, this year there will be a two-week programme, mostly in and around Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard and at the Market Hall in Devonport. This will include light art, installations and immersive experiences for everyone to enjoy as well as a host of workshops and sessions for people to participate in.

Given the fragile state of our world and environment, Illuminate will also reflect on and respond to COP26 with a focus on the climate crisis, exploring what it means to each of us and how we can all contribute to making change happen.

This year will also see greater focus on commissioning work from British creatives and local artists to support the cultural sector, which was so hard hit during the pandemic and to creating participative activities for children and people of all ages.

To help run the event safely, Illuminate will be managed through free tickets to ensure any social distancing and COVID regulations can be observed. Free tickets will be released in early October. 

Claire Honey, Head of cultural experiences at Real Ideas said: ‘We’re thrilled to announce that Illuminate is back! After postponing activity planned for November 2020 to February 2021 then ultimately cancelling due to COVID, we are making plans to bring the joy and magic of Illuminate back to Plymouth this winter and we couldn’t be more excited!

“Naturally we’ll be making some necessary changes to keep our audiences safe and socially distanced, but with Illuminate 2021 we intend to engage and inspire like never before! 

“This year’s Illuminate will focus on the theme of Climate Crisis, with installations and immersive experiences telling the stories of our fragile environment, asking questions and helping us understand what we can all do to help. And, with the immersive dome in Devonport now open, Illuminate will span Ocean Studios and the Market Hall offering two locations for light art and immersive experiences as part of this year’s festival." 

Tickets for Illuminate 2021 will be available from early October. To find out more visit the Illuminate website.