An art project has attracted more than 1,000 people to enjoy ‘spectacular’ illuminations in seven market towns.
The Light Up The Town project, spearheaded by MarketPlace, saw internationally acclaimed artists SDNA collaborating with communities to create displays that lit up buildings in West Suffolk and Fenland.
The events, which were free and open to the public, attracted more than 1,500 visitors.
They began in Brandon on February 25 and wrapped up in Whittlesey, in Cambridgeshire, on March 7, turning town centres into “welcoming social spaces”.
Richard Alecock, councillor for Mildenhall Great Heath, said: “What an incredible evening at St. Mary’s Church.
“For the first time in our 800-year history, the church was beautifully illuminated with stunning projected lighting displays.
“It was a breathtaking sight.”
A light display in Newmarket (Image: Amy Fox) Maddie Exton, creative producer at MarketPlace, reflected on the project’s impact and said: “We set out to bring light to the darker winter months through community-created art.
“Each town’s projection became a celebration of local identity, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds.
“The feedback has been incredible, with many participants expressing a renewed sense of connection to their town’s natural heritage.”
The light up project ended in Whittlesey (Image: Amy Fox) The project featured collaborative workshops led by SDNA in which groups such as Brandon Circle, Wisbech Art and Recovery Café, Newmarket Community Art Group and the Brownies and Girl Guides contributed to the final artworks.
They were complemented by gardening organisations, including Brandon in Bloom, Whittlesey in Bloom and Newmarket Community Nature Reserve, who provided images of flora and fauna from the area as part of the projections.
Laura, from the Newmarket Community Nature Reserve, said: “Using our images made it so personal, and we instantly connected to the moments the photos were taken.”
The MarketPlace team is already planning for next year, hoping to bring more illuminations to unite communities across the region following this year’s success.
