Free light and sound spectacular to transform Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre

Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre will be transformed by illuminated artworks and interactive experiences this week as Appetite presents Newcastle Under Light.

The free event takes place on Wednesday 4 March from 6pm to 9pm, outside the Guildhall and in surrounding streets, inviting people of all ages to experience the town centre after dark in a completely different way.

The centrepiece of the evening will be an animation by artists leo&hyde, working with 2099 Studios. The artwork combines voice notes, memories and photographs shared by local people into a large-scale projection onto the Guildhall, placing community stories at the heart of the spectacle.

Visitors can also enjoy a range of interactive installations:

• And…Breathe by Pif Paf: A pagoda structure offering a shared sound and light experience centred on breath.
• Squeeze Me by Air Giants: Giant inflatable creatures that respond and glow when hugged.
• Eternal Ensemble by Onyva! Studio: Immersive light projection accompanied by cellist Aileen Williams performing Pachelbel’s Canon in D.
• Cloudscapes by Kitsch & Sync: Unique street theatre performances moving through the event space.

Newcastle Under Light is the third and final event in Appetite’s Light Up Winter series, designed to bring people together during the darker months with high-quality outdoor arts experiences that are free and accessible to all.

“Newcastle Under Light is all about creating moments of connection. From seeing residents’ own memories reflected onto the Guildhall to hugging a glowing inflatable creature or taking a breath together inside the pagoda, it’s an evening designed to surprise, delight and bring people together in the town centre.”

— Heather Dowler, Interim Director of Appetite

Charl Pearce, manager of Newcastle Under Light co-hosts Newcastle BID, added: “This event is a real celebration of Newcastle-under-Lyme. It will bring families, friends and visitors into the town centre to experience something joyful and different together – and it’s fantastic to see local voices and stories at the heart of it.”

The event is free to attend, with no booking required. British Sign Language tours are available and must be pre-booked by contacting askus@appetite.org.uk.

Light Up Winter is funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, with additional support from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Denise Coates Foundation and Middleport Matters.