Installations applauded throughout the Presqu'Île and Vieux Lyon
Spectators were enthralled and captivated by spectacular, immersive displays, such as Evanescent on Place Bellecour with its huge luminous balloons, which won the "Visitor's Favourite" Trophy of Lights prize, organised by the France 3 Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes local TV channel and the City of Lyon. Spectators also loved L’écrin des Jacobins, on the Place des Jacobins, with its futuristic design and swirling lasers that beautifully showcased the iconic fountain.
Produced by Les Allumeurs de Rêves, Re-dessine-moi des Lumières brought the Fresque des Lyonnais wall to life, celebrating some of Lyon's most famous figures and proving to be a particularly successful and colourful projection.
Once again, the Place des Terreaux attracted a huge crowd (920,000 visitors) who enjoyed Bruno Ribeiro's surprising and grandiose work, combining cinema and artificial intelligence in Cellulo/d for a journey back in time in the company of the Lumière brothers.
From the riverside, between the meandering Saône and opposite Fourvière Hill, visitors experienced a moment of dreamlike grace as they watched Ceux du fleuve. It created a sense of calm, with imaginary creatures connecting with the audience, lulled by music that added depth to the show.
In Vieux Lyon, it was a delight to stroll from Saint Paul station, lit up by the works of young artists (Nouvelle Vague), on to the Place du Change and FloWeЯ PoWeЯ and then to the breathtaking and magnetic Kernel³ projected onto Saint-Jean Cathedral (660,000 visitors).
The first indoor installation, ROW by the Tundra collective, was a huge success, enjoyed by many during the day at the Célestins Theatre. A moment suspended in time for the 5,500 visitors who admired the delicate holographic work from the impressive stage of the theatre's main auditorium.
The 2023 Festival of Lights wraps up for the year
Thanks to a programme that was festive, open to all and of exceptional artistic quality, over 2 million visitors attended the four-day event, with attendance rising at the main sites.
This year's Festival of Lights lived up to all its promises. Firstly, it was family-friendly, with special opening times and a new children's programme in the Parc Blandan; secondly, it was enchanting, particularly in Tête d'Or Park thanks to two installations produced by teams from the City of Lyon (186,000 visitors); thirdly, it was convivial, with the Presqu'île brought to life by wonderfully colourful and flamboyant installations; and fourthly, food-lovers were catered for, thanks to the hospitality area on the Place Bellecour!
New city districts
The Festival of Lights was successfully introduced or reintroduced in a number of arrondissements. At Place de l'Abbé Pierre in La Duchère Le Soleil de la Duchère was a collaborative project with local residents that won over visitors with its original, meaningful scenography, featuring characters from the district drawn and brought to life on the walls. In the 8th district, Gazouillis#2, on Place du 8 mai 1945, showcased a highly entertaining aviary, with some 400 beautiful birds made one-by-one from recycled and repurposed plastic bottles by local schoolchildren and members of the public in collective workshops. Their work will remain on display until 03 January 2024.
An inclusive festival that also raised money for a good cause
This years’ Lumignons du Cœur successfully raised funds for the Léon Bérard Foundation, and the 96,000 euros donated will go towards the purchase of new cutting-edge equipment for cancer research.
The Festival was designed to be inclusive, with measures taken to ensure that as many people as possible could take part in the four days of festivities. More than 900 people with disabilities (up 125%) took part in the specially-organised tours and were also able to enjoy the installations thanks to specially-adapted facilities (vibrating waistcoats, audio-description and information in French that was easy to read and understand).
To raise awareness among the public, tribute was paid to the culture of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community with the projection of V.V.V. / Video Visual Vernacular at the Fondation Bullukian – a simple, poetic story brought to life through gestures.
Families were also able to enjoy this festival organised for everyone, including children, at Parc Blandan (nearly 20,000 visitors), thanks to Toys in Space which opened at family-friendly times. This was an interactive and immersive experience that took visitors right to the heart of space.
Partners as committed as ever
The Festival of Lights has once again been able to count on its partners and sponsors, numbering 36 this year, who help to fund the Festival in the form of financial sponsorship, skills or by directly financing installations.