Free light show with illuminated whale shark and garden of fire coming to Salford Quays

A free interactive light show featuring a spectacular whale shark is returning to Salford Quays this December.

Now that Halloween and Bonfire Night are over and done with, the Christmas countdown is most definitely on and that means the spectacular Lightwaves Festival is coming to illuminate Media City and Salford Quays for four evenings across December.

Among the installations, families will see works including whale shark, a garden of fire and giant glowing flowers, as they illuminate the urban waterside in what is a celebration of the trail’s 10th anniversary.

Lightwaves is free to attend and families can enjoy works from both established and up and coming, local and national, artists in a thought-provoking and interactive display.

A total of 15 installations will feature in the Lightwaves Festival, which is part of the Quays Culture Programme.

CETUS will make its world premiere, where spectators can admire this six-metre whale shark as it glows under the water, enhanced by transparent fish scales.

Appearing to be swimming in the waters at the Quays, this art installation is created by Loomaland. They are the Berlin-based artists who created CYGNUS – the floating swans which featured in 2021.

There will also be a tunnel of giant mirror rings – created by Loop – covering a 50-metre stretch of the Media City Piazza for visitors to walk through and immerse themselves in a multi-sensory experience for all.

The outdoor art group Walk the Plank will return to Lightwaves with a Fire Garden. This year’s display will include three brand new giant sculptures, with one being over nine metres in size. 

The Fire Garden will feature moving sculptures combined with fire and light to create a mesmerising display.

Other highlights will include The Nectary created by Alison Smith with Dr Chris Hassall, featuring six giant hanging flowers.

Kate Doyle, Head of Programme for Quays Culture said: “The team at Quays Culture are truly excited by the programme of artworks curated for the 10th edition of Lightwaves Salford.

“Year on year the event delights audiences of all ages and we’re certain that 2023 will be no exception.

“The programme is our best yet; it’s a culmination of the decade we have spent bringing world class light art to the Quays, and always for free to our audiences.

“As humans we have a primal response to light, especially in the dark winter months. It brings warmth, wellbeing and intensifies positive emotions. All are welcome to Lightwaves Salford and to experience the joy of light art!”

Lightwaves Salford is free to attend and will take place over four evenings from Thursday, December 7th to Sunday, December 10th from 4pm-10pm.

There’s no need to book, just turn up and enjoy exploring!