Celebrate TOGETHER
As we continue our festive lighting installations across towns, city and shopping centres across the UK, excitement and anticipation is building. It’s clear that Christmas lights have a unique ability to transform spaces, draw crowds and enhance the festive atmosphere.
Traditionally, festive lighting has been synonymous with Christmas, illuminating our streets with captivating displays during the winter months and the peak shopping season. But what if we could embrace festive lighting beyond Christmas? Sales Manager, Ali, shares his thoughts on how Ramadan lighting and celebrating other cultural events through festive lighting can bring communities together throughout the year.
Festive lighting beyond christmas
Lighting and illuminations are regularly used to create a sense of wonder beyond Christmas. Examples include immersive winter lighting trails, Halloween and other celebrations such as Valentines Day. However the concept of using lighting to celebrate other festivals is relatively new in the UK.
As our communities grow more diverse, it is time to broaden our view and recognise the importance of festive lighting for other celebrations. Ramadan, for instance, is a significant month for Muslims worldwide, marked by reflection, community, and charity.
Although traditionally not associated with the same kind of lighting displays as Christmas, there’s a growing interest in creating vibrant Ramadan lighting schemes that can bring communities together.
There is no better evidence of this than from our recent Ramadan lighting installations in London. The displays racked up over 19,000,000 views on social media and a quick YouTube search shows the positive reaction from all parts of the community.
My thoughts
As a British Muslim it was amazing to see the Ramadan lighting display in central London. It marked the arrival of a very special month and undoubtably helped to spread joy and togetherness.
The use of light during Ramadan, particularly in the evening, aligns with the culture of gathering for iftar meals after sunset, allowing the lighting to enhance the atmosphere and serve as a visual representation of the community’s energy and spirit.
Of course, there was debate and discussion around the display and that’s healthy. It was the first time a display of this scale and size has ever been delivered in the UK so, to some degree it was also expected. The overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive and the additional footfall it brought to the area was a welcome boost in March.
Inclusivity
Festive lighting is about more than just decoration; it’s about making people feel welcome and included. By using lighting and illumination for a variety of celebrations, we show that we recognise and appreciate the diversity within our communities.
Another great example of this is our recent lighting installation that reflects the Indian heritage of renowned artist, Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE.
The scheme is an immersive lighting trail featuring 14 bespoke neon elements, depicting radiant representations of Indian deities like Laxmi and Ganesh. The installation launched in October ahead of Diwali as part of the award winning cultural programme, Art After Dark.
Value for money and sustainability
We know that any lighting installation needs to offer versatility, value and excellent sustainability. We have the solution to achieve this. Our creative team can design a display that uses existing lighting infrastructure, with highly sustainable materials and energy efficient LEDs. The beauty of festive lighting is that it can transcend cultural boundaries, evoking a shared sense of joy and connection.
Final thoughts
It’s not about taking away from the Christmas experience but rather, embracing the wide range of other celebrations that are meaningful to different cultural and religious groups throughout the year.
Ramadan lighting, Diwali displays, and other celebrations through the year can bring people together, boost local economies, and enable everyone to celebrate the rich and diverse tapestry of our modern communities. As we light up our cities this festive season, let’s remember that the true power of lighting lies in its ability to unite and captivate us all, giving us a moment of escape and enjoyment no matter the celebration or occasion.
