11th December 2023
Kirkwall BID Unveils ‘Festival of Light’ Spectacular to light up February
Kirkwall Business Improvement District (BID) is planning to get the year off to a bright start with a dazzling Festival of Light and Fire Dancing, from February 1st to 4th, 2024.
The festival, which is subject to OIC licence approval, will feature an arresting array of light installations, fire performances, and artistic displays each evening over the four days. As the festival unfolds across Kirkwall's historic streets, residents and visitors can expect to be immersed in a spectacle of colour, movement, and creativity.
The application for a licence is now with the local authority and a decision is expected by January.
Laura Bruce, Kirkwall BID Manager says: “This illuminating event is designed to infuse warmth and vibrancy into the dark winter nights of Orkney, creating a magical atmosphere to attract locals and visitors alike.”
The Festival will serve as a platform to support local businesses, with participating shops, restaurants, and cafes extending their operating hours, offering special promotions and discounts to festival-goers. This initiative seeks to stimulate the local economy and underscores the importance of supporting businesses within the Orkney community. The BID will be promoting the event to Shetland and Caithness as well as locally.
From late December, the BID business’ windows will be brightly dressed with magical light structures created by UHI Orkney’s Art Department students in readiness for the festival.
UHI Orkney’s Rona McNicol said: “The event will showcase some of the artistic talent within the community and foster a sense of unity, collaboration, and creativity during the colder, darker months. It’s fantastic to be able to involve our students in a community-wide project with Kirkwall BID.”
Laura Bruce explained: “We were delighted to receive support from the National Lotto Fund that has made this partnership possible.”
By bringing light to the heart of Orkney, Kirkwall BID hopes to encourage community engagement, boost morale, and remind us that the lighter days are coming around again.
Kirkwall BID Chair Cheryl Chapman says: "The Festival of Light and Fire Dancing will celebrate Kirkwall Town Centre’s vibrancy, talent and enterprise. We invite everyone to join us in this spectacular event, that aims to give everybody a lift during the dark winter nights of Orkney.”
The Festival of Light and Fire Dancing will kick off on February 1st, with festivities continuing through February 4th, 2024. Kirkwall BID encourages residents and visitors alike to mark their calendars and immerse themselves in this extraordinary celebration.
NC Art and Design have been working with assistance from ” BID”( Kirkwall Business Improvement District ).
18th December 2023 - UPDATE FROM UHI ORKNEY
We have been making lanterns and illuminated sculptures to herald the coming “Festival of LIGHT” organised by “Kirkwall BID” , which will take place in Kirkwall weekend of 1st – 4th FEB 2024, it will feature “The Traveling Light Circus “ and various interesting interactive events to entertain and inspire the whole family.
Thanks to Age Scotland Orkney , students have installed some 3D works in one of the windows in Victoria street to help spread the word of the” Festival of Light” and the up coming “NC Art and Design January Start course “ which is currently accepting applications on line.
We run Wednesdays 9am – 4pm over 16 weeks, the course dates are from Jan 24th 2024 to end of May 2024.
We will offering 2 art units, which work with mixed media and sculpture, it can be a fun taster or a start for further study towards completing an NC Art and Design award.
All info on ;- https://www.orkney.uhi.ac.uk/courses/
