Two Dazzling Light Festivals to Celebrate Lunar New Year in London
London is set to dazzle with two spectacular light festivals for Lunar New Year
London, Lunar New Year, Canary Wharf, Battersea, Light Festival
London: Two amazing light festivals are coming to town this month to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The festivities kick off on Saturday, January 25, and everyone is buzzing with excitement. This year, we’re welcoming the Year of the Snake, a time for reflection and growth. There will be events all over the city during the last week of January and into February.
Besides a huge dragon dance parade and tasty dumpling sessions, there are two light shows you won’t want to miss. One is in Canary Wharf, and the other is at Battersea. If you plan to check them out, try to go on a weekday evening since weekends might get crowded.
Canary Wharf’s winter lights festival is back for its ninth year, featuring 12 new light installations. It runs from January 21 to February 1, from 5 PM to 10 PM. It’s a free event, and it’s always a hit!
Over at Battersea Power Station, their annual light festival is also returning for its fifth year, running from January 23 to February 23. This festival will light up the chilly winter nights with eight stunning art installations. Plus, there’s a brand new piece called Aurora, designed just for Battersea’s Art Deco Turbine Hall A.
The Battersea festival isn’t just about looking at pretty lights. Some installations have interactive features, like In Bloom by Kumquat Lab. This musical light sculpture lets visitors create a melody just by engaging with it. How cool is that?
Meanwhile, Canary Wharf’s festival is a beloved tradition for many Londoners. It’s all about transforming the area into a magical, glowing landscape. Expect to see everything from a giant stack of bathtubs pulsing with light to a stunning tornado of lights swirling around a pylon.
There’s even a UK-first illuminated bird in flight and a massive portal in Wood Wharf. It’s going to be a visual feast!
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One of the new pieces at Canary Wharf is called Mirage. It’s an immersive artwork that reflects our relationship with social media. During the day, it catches the sunlight, and at night, it lights up in a dreamy way.
Another piece, Stitching Light, highlights the stories of Bangladeshi women in Tower Hamlets. It uses traditional painting and light to share real-life experiences. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate culture and history.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for some dazzling nights in London!