In December, the city of Lyon will host its annual Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) – one of the world’s most colourful Christmas light displays.
Between 6 and 9 December more than one million visitors will view the spectacular light installations. This year’s main light parade will honour Mexico. More than 30 visual artists, painters, builders, actors and circus performers will create the display of giant puppets – inspired by Mexican alebrijes.
Nearly 70 light displays will be on show around the city this year, developed by artists such as Chantal Thomass, the French fashion designer, Damien Fontaine and Jean-Luc Hervé, both noted light artists.
Feast your eyes on these photographs from last year’s event. They’re all by Muriel Chaulet.
Key festival facts:
– Around 120 participating artists
– Nearly 70 light displays
– More than 1.1 million spectators in 2012
– Energy efficient – the cost of running the festival lights is €5,000 (£4,237). Lyon is committed to creating an energy-efficient event and artists use efficient materials, such as LEDs.
What’s new in 2013:
– In a world first, Lyon’s new non-motorised Croix-Rousse Tunnel will be opened with a permanent light fixture, where pedestrians and cyclists will be able to view scenes of nature and space as they travel through the tunnel day and night
– The city’s riverbank will showcase a light orchestra to the opening theme of the film Lawrence of Arabia
– In the heart of the Renaissance district the famous cathedral will bathe viewers in 360-degree light projections
– Fashion and lingerie designer Chantal Thomass has created a spring secret garden, turning Lyon’s trees into a giant, surrealistic floral bouquet
– As part of an on-going effort to aid young artists, The Ecole Superieure du Professorat et de l’Education (formerly IUFM) of Lyon will house an acoustic and interactive installation co-produced by the students of Innovation Design Entrepreneuriat Arts
