IN PICTURES: GLOW Light Festival 2024

The sell-out event took place from Tuesday, February 13 until Saturday, February 17, 2024.

The event, which explored the theme 'Play in Nature', was a hit from day one. 

Speaking about the launch night, a spokesperson from Super Culture told the Weston Mercury: "Everybody wants a bit of GLOW.

"We saw around 2,500 through the doors, it was absolutely lovely.

"We got some lovely feedback."

Residents of all ages were amazed by the displays, some of which were interactive, such as the Light Hearted installation on the pier.

GLOW's artistic director, Paula Birtwistle, added: “This year’s GLOW has showcased spectacular co-created artworks and a wealth of local creative talent. A strong focus on accessibility has welcomed more people than ever to the sell-out event.

"Grove Park is the most special setting for a light festival and it was wonderful to see GLOW 24’s ‘Play in Nature’ theme come alive as families, friends and community groups came together to experience the magic of GLOW.

"The free light installations in the town centre brought extra sparkle to the event, with more people able to explore the area and interact with the festival in some of Weston’s loved locations.   

"Thank you to everyone who has made GLOW 24 possible – from funders Arts Council England and Weston-super-Mare Town Council, sponsors and supporters to artist acts, community groups and the amazing Culture Maker volunteers.

"And an extra big thank you to the thousands of visitors  from near and far that came along in all weathers and shared in making GLOW such an uplifting event."

Rosie, First Encounters Of A Mooing Kind by Dylan Barker. (Image: Paul Blakemore)In The Balance by Felix Rowberry. (Image: Paul Blakemore)Grove Park was transformed. (Image: Paul Blakemore)Young people were dazzled by the installations. (Image: Paul Blakemore)Dancing Fountain by Alexis Richter. (Image: Paul Blakemore)

Organisers of the event worked to ensure it was accessible for all. Dedicated time slots with reduced numbers were introduced for those who may have needed a quieter experience.

Dedicated Access Companions were onsite to assist those with limited mobility, those who identify as d/Deaf or visually impaired and those who identify with sensory issues, emotional and social differences and neurodiversity.

Assistance dogs were also welcome, to name just a few of the efforts made to ensure that everyone had a brilliant time.

Squeeze Me by Air Giants. (Image: Paul Blakemore)The event attracted visitors from all over Weston and beyond. (Image: Paul Blakemore)GLOW artistic director Paula Birtwistle. (Image: Paul Blakemore)Starry Starry Bikes by Nina Thomas Bennett. (Image: Paul Blakemore)

Peace Shrine by Karen Barry and community. (Image: Paul Blakemore)Swings by Paula Birtwistle. (Image: Paul Blakemore)UV Garden by Bev G Star. (Image: Paul Blakemore)

Light Hearted by Digital Funfair at The Grand Pier. (Image: Paul Blakemore)Every Drop, sponsored by Bristol Water. (Image: Paul Blakemore)LED Curtain by Digital Funfair. (Image: Paul Blakemore)

Continuum by Illumaphonium at the Italian Gardens. (Image: Paul Blakemore)GLOW team and volunteers made the event possible. (Image: Paul Blakemore)From The Mud walkabout performance. (Image: Paul Blakemore)