The festival starts with an Opening Ceremony on Wednesday February 12th at Senate House in central Cambridge. This event kicks off at 7pm with a live jazz band, and includes magic from a Guinness record-breaking illusionist, as well as speeches from the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Paul Saunders, and the event organisers.
On Thursday (Feb 13th) Cambridge Cleantech presents a major new report on LED lighting, detailing the latest research including key drivers, market size and an opportunities analysis. (PWC office, Abacus House, Castle Park, 4–7pm) Tickets available here
An entirely different kind of event is planned for Valentine's Day (Friday Feb 14th). Appearing unplugged in the fabulous acoustic of Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge’s 120-strong Dowsing Sound Collective will perform a late evening (8–9.30pm) set of unconventional, intimate and euphoric music, wrapping the theme of love and light with voices and instruments. Tickets here
The festival also offers a fantastic opportunity during the half term break for schools and parents to encourage the younger generation to discover answers to tomorrow's environmental challenges. Children aged six-10 years are invited to Make a Hybrid Toy Car and LED Lantern, in partnership with Panasonic, on Monday (Feb 17th) from 9am–-4.15 pm at Makespace (16 Mill Lane, CB2 1RX). Tickets here
Also on show during half term (from Saturday Feb 15th– Weds 19th) in the Grand Arcade is the solar car entirely built by the Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER) team, a student organisation that designs, builds and races solar- powered vehicles. The car has just returned from the World Solar Challenge.
Throughout the festival period a number of attractions will be on show throughout the city, including:
Planet of Light - a monumental projection onto the Senate House (daily from 5.30–10pm) , created from artworks drawn by children from Cambridge's schools. Presented by Tom Juggins with Panasonic.
St John Interactive (daily from 5.30–10pm) - a unique light effect on the majestic St John’s College Tower, washed with colours that change according to the music played within the chapel or chosen by the audience.
RADIAL - an interactive light installation that dynamically illuminates the Mathematical Bridge (daily from 5.30–10pm) , in response to sound captured in real time. Presented by SOCA with Showave.
O+X -–an interactive architectural game (Guildhall, (daily from 5.30–10pm). Passers-by can play noughts and crosses on the side of the building. This large-scale classic game is controlled using paper electronic technology supplied by Novalia. The lighting technology is by Light Motif and this wonderful installation is proudly sponsored by the TTP Group.
Kairos– an installation (daily 9am –10pm) in the window of John Lewis (St Andrew's Street) presented by Colin Dewar with Fusion Optix, in which light patterns break down and reform, producing brief moments of clarity.
e-Luminate QR code - at the Microsoft building, Station Road (daily, 9am–10pm). The word E-luminate will be made up of hundreds of QR codes (pictured above). When scanned, they will take the viewer to the e-Luminate programme. Presented by Tom Juggins with MEA mobile.
Other activities include art and music events, walking tours of the city by candlelight, a photographic competition, and a recycling workshop for children.
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