This September, Crying Out Loud will transform Victoria Park in Portsmouth into an extraordinary world of light, colour and architecture as Luminarium arrives for one weekend only.
Created by Architects of Air, the immersive installation is the third of four events making up The Point Is Portsmouth, Crying Out Loud’s city-wide programme celebrating Portsmouth100.
The location is a 15 minute walk from Wightlink’s Fastcat terminal.
Inside the domes
From 11th–13th September, Luminarium will land in Victoria Park to offer an immersive destination for creativity, exploration and shared discovery. Visitors of all ages are invited to step inside a breathtaking maze of illuminated domes and winding passages, where natural light, colour and sound combine to create an ever-changing sensory experience.
As daylight shifts across the sky, the atmosphere continually evolves, meaning no two visits are ever quite the same. Free to wander at their own pace, visitors can lose themselves in the installation before exploring one of Portsmouth’s oldest and best-loved public parks, making the setting as much a part of the experience as the artwork itself.
Part of Portsmouth100
Bringing internationally acclaimed artistic experiences to Portsmouth while creating opportunities for local people to experience them on their doorstep is central to Crying Out Loud’s vision for The Point Is Portsmouth.
Through four ambitious events, the programme is transforming familiar places across the city into spaces where communities can come together through creativity, participation and shared experiences.
“Something quieter but no less extraordinary”
Rachel Clare, Artistic Director of Crying Out Loud, said:
“Luminarium is the third of four The Point Is Portsmouth events, celebrating Portsmouth’s centenary through ambitious outdoor arts and shared experiences.
“Each event invites people to experience Portsmouth in a different way. Following the energy of 432 Fratton in June and Circus in Motion at the Historic Dockyard in July, Luminarium at Victoria Park this September offers something quieter but no less extraordinary.
“It invites people to slow down, explore together and experience an internationally acclaimed artwork that celebrates curiosity, creativity and connection. We hope people of all ages will discover something completely unexpected.”
Thirty years of Luminaria
Alan Parkinson, Founder of Architects of Air, said:
“For more than 30 years we’ve created a space to bring people together through light, colour and shared experience. Every installation is designed to welcome everyone, regardless of age, background or ability, encouraging visitors simply to wander, explore and enjoy being immersed in an ever-changing environment.
“We’re delighted to bring Luminarium to Portsmouth for the first time. The values behind The Point Is Portsmouth – creating opportunities for communities to experience ambitious art together – closely reflect our own belief that these installations should be open, inclusive and shared by as many people as possible.”
Schools and community groups
Alongside public opening, Crying Out Loud will host visits for schools, community groups and project partners, reflecting The Point Is Portsmouth’s commitment to widening access to ambitious cultural experiences.
Community organisations interested in arranging a hosted visit are encouraged to contact Crying Out Loud to find out more.
What else is on that weekend
Coinciding with the Luminarium weekend from 11th–13th September, Portsmouth residents and visitors will also be able to enjoy activities in Guildhall Square as part of Rawkus City Festival, creating an exciting weekend of outdoor arts and cultural experiences across the city.
Further details about the wider programme will be announced in the coming weeks.
Luminarium is presented by Crying Out Loud in partnership with Victoria Park and Rawkus City. It is supported by Arts Council England, Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Creates
Booking and further details
For more information about Luminarium and Crying Out Loud’s The Point is Portsmouth programme visit Crying Out Loud’s website.
Book your Luminarium tickets for on the website.
