Medway Light Nights held in Rochester town centre was a huge success
11:34, 15 February 2022
updated: 12:25, 16 February 2022
A town centre's spectacular light show attracted more than 60,000 people.
Rochester was lit up as part of the festival which aimed to transform iconic buildings and spaces into works of art.
More than 60,000 people gathered in Rochester for the Medway Light Nights festival
Medway Light Nights also included performances projected onto the castle walls, parades through the High Street and gardens and car parks hosting exhibits and a lot more.
The council in partnership with Emergency Exit Arts commissioned local, national and internationally-renowned artists, to work alongside the Medway Towns' young people and communities, to deliver the event.
Medway head of culture, Paul Cowell, said: "It is absolutely about showcasing local talent.
"In terms of putting Medway on the map, it is really, really showing the world can live and thrive here.
"We already have an amazing festival season in the Towns. This is just part of it for this year so we are really just marking it as a place as a cultural centre. This is really important for Medway."
There were optical illusions created by light, sound and mirrors produced by Lucid Creates, a lantern parade and outdoor film by Cohesion Plus and multiple art installations, a fire display and a poetry trail.
Jade Ashley, a performer from Icon Theatre – who projected a movement performance called If Not Now onto the castle walls – said: "It makes you happy, it makes you feel whole and you cannot help but enjoy the show.
"I feel grateful and blessed. I have been able to be in a production that is with loads of unique people from all walks of life. I have learnt a lot from every sing people I have meant and grown a lot. We could not have the show without everyone."
Nancy Hirst, who directed the performance, said the piece was inspired by the pandemic where she felt like real changes were happening.
"Medway is a very special place. It has a diverse community and people have been there for years and some are new to the area. There is so many interesting groups in the area and there is possibility.
"We have been working on this for so long it is exciting."
There was also several Charles Dickens-themed sights including a mural by street artist Dream Safari, which could be spotted next to his chalet in Eastgate Gardens where the author worked on his novels.
Councillor Howard Doe, Medway Council's portfolio holder for community services, said: "The feedback we have received is overwhelmingly positive. I would like to say thank you to the thousands of residents that visited and supported the event and for tagging us in your pictures and videos.
"I was delighted to see so many enjoying the fantastic event, aimed to celebrate Medway's heritage and creative spirit.
"More than 1,000 children and residents took part."
Thousands of people flocked to the historic streets to enjoy the light shows and were left impressed with what was on offer.
Medway Light Nights will be reviewed if it will be held again when planning further events in the Medway Towns.
The event started at 6pm and ran until 9pm last Friday and Saturday night.
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