Published:
09:11 February 20, 2022
Crowds of families filled the streets of Norwich to mark the end of the Love Light Festival in Norwich.
After all of Friday’s events were canceled due to Storm Eunice, hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the procession and final on Saturday night.
The Love River Carnival procession ran from Norwich Cathedral, down London Street to Millennium Plain from 6-7pm.
Saturday’s event was packed despite the bleak forecast, with people following the performers through the streets of Norwich.
Jellyfish taking part in the River of Love Procession for Love Light Norwich. Photo: DENISE BRADLEY
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022
A dozen dancers from The Garage closed the festival with a performance at the Our Beating Heart installation outside the Forum.
Danielle Gardner, Assistant Producer at The Garage, said: “We were thrilled to be involved.
The River of Love Procession for Love Light Norwich. Photo: DENISE BRADLEY
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022
“Our dancers worked all week on the procession and the final routines and I think it all paid off. We are all so proud.
“There were hundreds of people watching the procession and the final and even more saw the festivals of other events.
“It’s kind of emotional to see it all come together. And the rain held out long enough for the audience to enjoy it, to see it put together with all the lights was amazing.”
Crowded city streets for the River of Love procession during the Love Light Norwich. Photo: DENISE BRADLEY
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022
The show incorporated mirrored costumes, moving technology and lighting effects, and circus skills.
The theme of this year’s show was love and belonging and included 17 installations and 11 events.
Installations include a modern take on the medieval courtship, a live light drawing, a heart-shaped disco ball and more.
Drummers lead the River of Love procession through the city for Love Light Norwich. Photo: DENISE BRADLEY
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022
A Love City Food Trail also runs until March 12, with over 40 participating restaurants, bars and cafes.
Look for pink neon love signs at participating locations, which feature themed food and drink.
The River of Love Procession for Love Light Norwich. Photo: DENISE BRADLEY
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022
Love Light Norwich was organized by Norwich BID.
Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich BID, said: “This year we had a beautifully curated selection of installations, with 20 pieces interpreting the theme of love and belonging.
Six-year-old Veronica Bailey ready for the Glow Ride with her Rainbow Light on her cycle as part of Love Light Norwich. Photo: DENISE BRADLEY
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022
“The idea was to inspire people to go out and discover different places.”
Other Love Light Norwich sponsors include Cycling UK, FSG, The Forum, Norwich University of the Arts, Norwich Theatre, Norwich Cathedral, Ark and Artlist.
Paul Bommer, left, and Nick Appleton, carrying lights during the Luminous Pareidolia projections on Norwich Cathedral for Love Light Norwich. Photo: DENISE BRADLEY
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022
