Winchester ‘Lights in the City’ to illuminate iconic landmarks and buildings

Winchester is set to shine later this month thanks to a first for the city which will see its iconic landmarks and buildings lit up from Saturday 29 January to Sunday 6 February.

The event will see light installations in key locations across the centre.

The theme of the event is ‘Winter into Spring’ and coloured lights will show the changing of the seasons as visitors follow the lights through the centre.

The trail will start with ‘winter’ and cool white and blue lights and projections at the top of the high street including outside The Great Hall, which will also be home to a conical tree of light, and the Westgate Museum.

The seasonal theme continues with twinkling ceiling of lights approaching The Square and City Museum and a matching coloured curtain of lights draped on their frontages.

Next, the public will be encouraged to follow the trees lining the iconic path from City Museum to Winchester Cathedral, which will showcase lights around their trunks, while a further ceiling of lights will hang to form a tunnel of light over this route.

The bushes of the little-known, secluded Busket Yard will also be subtly lit.

Winchester Guildhall marks the start of ‘spring’ and the building will be illuminated with multicoloured lights and white icicle features.

Abbey Gardens will be home to giant tulip illuminations.

When can I see the Winchester lights?

The lights will be turned on gradually starting at Abbey Gardens from 6pm on Saturday 29 January.

Residents and visitors will be able to see the lights from 4pm until midnight every day thereafter until the 6 February.

Head to the Visit Winchester website for full details.

Cllr Martin Tod, cabinet member for economic recovery, said: “We’re not out of the woods yet with the economic impact of COVID – and this is a quieter time of year anyway – so it’s great that so many local organisations have worked together on this new event to give an extra boost to our centre and our local businesses.

“I hope this brings more people in to enjoy Winchester after dark – seeing our beautiful city lit up with projections and installations – while also giving a boost to our local economy.”

The project has been funded through the Government’s Reopening High Street Safely and Welcome Back Fund European Regional Development Fund programme – aimed at promoting safe public environments; supporting local business; and encouraging people to return to the high streets.

It has been organised by Winchester City Council who has worked with key partners across the city including Winchester Business Improvement District (BID), Play to the Crowd, Hampshire Cultural Trust and Winchester Cathedral.

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