Bolton: 'Put Big Light On' festival week two wows crowds

The second week of the festival kick-started on Thursday, December 8, and despite the persistent pour down of rain, residents enjoyed exploring the new light display of Evanescent and Aqualux, as well as the street entertainment.

After the festival's successful first week, week two has proved to be just as popular with there still being a chance to see the displays today, Saturday, December 9.

Evanescent is a multi-award-winning artwork that has been exhibited in 24 different cities in 18 different countries.

It bridges the gap between art and architecture, existing within the realm of "art-chitecture".

Alongside this, at various locations across the town centre, installations such as Our Spectral Vision, Aqualux, Peep Hole Wall and Sound Intervention Projector Bikes are displayed.

Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram is still around until December 21 in the library and museum.

Children can also create light up balloons in the museum and join the party with Disco Dave – all for free.

Evanescent (Image: Henry Lisowski)

• ALSO READ: Week 2 of Bolton's Put Big Light On ready to wow residents
• ALSO READ: Crowds wowed as spectacular 'Borealis' light show and 'Moon Museum' opened in Bolton

Cllr Nadeem Ayub, executive cabinet member for culture at the council, said the lights are a great way to bring families into the town centre.

He said: “The light display so far has been very good and exciting, we have seen a lot of families coming into Bolton town centre which is very good and very pleasing for us.

“Last week was absolutely amazing and Thursday we had a relaunch for week two and unfortunately the weather wasn’t great, but we still had a good footfall through, and we are hoping the weather holds out for the weekend.

“The festival is making a huge difference for the town, it is a free event so especially with the cost-of-living crisis, people can come into town and enjoy a free festival and it helps local businesses because residents can buy a coffee or whatever they want to buy from local businesses.

“So, it is helping businesses to boost their economy as well.

“People have come to me personally on social media and said the light festival is fantastic and it is something different and something new to what has happened in previous years.

“We hope people enjoy the light festival ready for Christmas."

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.