GLOW illuminates Weston!
Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 February 2024, Grove Park, Weston BS23 2AE
Plus additional town centre locations
Flagship event ‘GLOW’ returns to Weston-super-Mare for the third year running to illuminate the town with dazzling entertainment for all the family.
GLOW 2024 has been expanded to run over five nights during the February half-term (13 – 17 February) and will bring a magical line-up of over 25 spectacular light installations to the main site at Grove Park – from brand new showcase commissions and iconic artworks to heart-warming community collaborations and interactive GLOW favourites. Last year’s sell-out event attracted 20,000 visitors from Weston, the local area and across the region.
This year, GLOW extends into the town centre with free, must-see installations that will showcase Weston at its brightest and most colourful with epic immersive, sensory and playful experiences at Weston’s Grand Pier, Princess Royal Square and the Italian Gardens.
GLOW in Grove Park will run from 5.30pm to 10pm each night, with the last entry slot at 9pm. Tickets are offered on a Pay What You Decide basis at allocated time slots and must be booked in advance, with dedicated entry slots to make the event as accessible as possible available for community groups and those with access needs. GLOW offers free entry for under 16s, who must be accompanied by an adult.
For latest updates on the event, follow @superculturewsm.
To purchase advance tickets to GLOW at Grove Park, visit https://superculture.org.uk/listings/glow-2024/
GLOW is conceived and designed by Weston-based artist and producer Paula Birtwistle and presented in partnership with Super Culture, Weston-super-Mare Town Council, The Grand Pier and PYTCH.
The event is made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England and Weston-super-Mare Town Council.
Celebrating the theme of ‘Play in Nature’, GLOW 2024 shines a light on Weston’s landscape, encouraging visitors to engage with the natural environment whilst enjoying uplifting, interactive and fun experiences in the great outdoors.
GLOW places the community at the heart of the event, with a strong focus on accessibility and sustainable production. Local and internationally renowned artists will come together for the event to create a wealth of work in collaboration with local creatives and community members of all ages and backgrounds. Artworks will also highlight creative use of repurposing materials and stimulate debate around climate change.
The natural environment of Grove Park will be transformed by a variety of stunning installations – from a large-scale kinetic fire sculpture, microscopic world, squeezable robots and an interactive Wood Wide Web to illuminated playground favourites, UV garden, bug world, disco bandstand and lots more.
Food and drink will be available to purchase at Sprout café situated in Grove Park, while the Super Culture bar will serve up warming, mulled wine and cider.
Regional food vendors will also be serving up a variety of take-away treats.
GLOW Director Paula Birtwistle said: “Thanks to generous funding support from Arts Council England and Weston-super-Mare Town Council, GLOW is returning in full technicolour glory for its biggest event so far! Not only will Grove Park be magically transformed, but the fun will spill out into the town with a variety of interactive, sensory installations, creating a playful, multi-coloured trail.
“GLOW is very much a community event that Westoners have taken to their hearts. From the co-commissioned artworks, to the many volunteers who help to make it happen, I can’t wait to see what brilliant things people in this town will come up with.
This year, I’m particularly excited to share our large-scale new, ground-breaking commission for Walk the Plank, created by Felix Rowberry and the families who are part of South Weston Activities Network.
“We really want as many people as possible to be able to come and experience the event, and are working hard to make sure that everyone feels welcome and included.”
Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, Chairman of Weston Town Council’s Heritage Arts and Culture Committee, said: “GLOW is a really special event that shines a bright light on Weston’s creative community and the town’s heritage, including the beautiful Victorian Grove Park and iconic Grand Pier. The event has grown year-on-year to become a popular annual favourite that attracts thousands from near and far. With GLOW 24’s exceptional programme, we are looking forward to welcoming many 1000s of visitors to the town.”
