Put Big Light On - Bolton 2025

For our third year helping curate Put Big Light On festival in collaboration with Bolton Council, we welcomed back Dan Acher’s incredible Borealis to Victoria Square - due to popular demand.

Luke Jerram’s MARS transformed Bolton’s Library with a programme of complementary events in the space. Artists Squidsoup presented Submergence and Ant Dickinson illuminated the gorgeous Le Mans crescent with his interactive projection, The Garden.

Elizabeth Park was filled with Craig Morrison’s fluro woven structure, Beacon of Hope built with the help of the community. Partnered with love dancers from Folk Dance Remixed, the installation linked folk tradition and dance with modern light art to celebrate connection, participation and shared hope.

Bolton Council also commissioned new work Wave by are we playing out - presented at the Octagon Theatre. The audience were invited to move around the structure; exploring, casting shadows and becoming part of the dialogue. Each evening featured a live performance by the artists, incorporating painting and an improvised audiovisual creation.

Outside, Eye Of Newt theatre entertained the crowds with their creatures from The Celestial Carousel.