Lightnight weekend will be feast of light and colour

Night turns to day in Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre during Lightnight weekend on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 November.

Part of the finale to Perth 800 and the conclusion of Horsecross Arts year-long Inspiring Communities project, the two venues take centre stage with a blend of song, dance, music, food and light which will keep everybody up into the wee small hours.

The Chinese-themed Lightnight celebrations commence when the giant Artificial Moon coming all the way from China is switched on in Perth Concert Hall. 1000 primary 3-5 boys from schools across Perth and Kinross will perform under the glowing 400cm sphere created by Wang Yuyang as they re-enact the Battle of the Clans on Friday 26 November.

Perth Concert Hall Foyer will be a feast of light and colour with displays of commemorative tapestries and lighting installations created by school pupils from throughout Perthshire. Outside the hall, the Plaza will jump and dance with an amazing interactive lighting show. Warming up for the fireworks over the River Tay, that bring Perth 800 to a close on Friday evening, hot food and drink will be available from stalls outside Perth Concert Hall.

Perth Theatre Foyer will be transformed into an Aladdin’s Cave of light and treasures, and the panto theme continues inside with Oh Yes I Can! an exhibition celebrating 75 years of panto in Perth. Perth Concert Hall’s acclaimed Threshold artspace also hosts the first solo art exhibition in the UK by Artificial Moon creator Wang YuYang.

Catch some z’s on Saturday morning because the fun kicks off again from 6pm. All evening until midnight in Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 27 November, eight Perthshire choirs pair up with international musicians for 20 minute performances sung in English, Gaelic and Mandarin in the St Andrews Day Big Sing. Drop in and out throughout the night for a little taste of everything and sample the fun in the foyer and outside in between including Chinese Calligraphy, rickshaw rides, Lightnight cocktails, Scottish storytelling, Thriller zombie walk performance, pipe bands and more.

Early-ish risers on Sunday can join in a free Artist’s Brunch in Perth Concert Hall at 11am to find out more about Artificial Moon with the artist, Wang Yuyang.

Jane Spiers chief executive of Horsecross Arts the creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre said:

“Lightnight is the final event in our Home and Away programme – our year-long community project in celebration of Perth’s 800th year as a Royal Burgh and the 5th birthday of Perth Concert Hall. Throughout the year we have secured the services of some top international artists from Africa, Brazil, India and now China and we have had an absolutely amazing response from schools, community groups and individuals. Together, they have risen to the challenge and created some outstanding work which has been shared in our streets and on our stages and will live long in the memories of all those who have taken part,

“This incredible year deserves a rousing finale. With stunning sculpture, exhibitions, massive choral performances and interactive lightshows all night, all free and all weekend we hope people will come out in their numbers and join in the fun.”

Horsecross Arts secured more than £250,000 of funding for the year-long Perth 800 community celebrations including £216,000 through Creative Scotland supported by the National Lottery for three Inspiring Communities projects of which Lightnight is the third.
Andrew Dixon, chief executive for Creative Scotland said:

“Home & Away is a fantastic project that has woven new links throughout the community of Perth, in a year-long celebration of the 800th anniversary of the city. The inspiring programme reaches far and wide across the city, from schools and community groups to individuals, spreading both the joy and benefits that arrive hand in hand with creative experiences. Horsecross places community involvement at the heart of everything they do and it promises to be a spectacular finale to be enjoyed by every generation of Perth’s residents.”

For further information about Lightnight at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, pick up a programme from Box Office or visit www.horsecross.co.uk. For the full programme of Lightnight events in Perth visit www.perth800.com/lightnight.