Lumiere London is a new lights festival produced by Artichoke and supported by the Mayor of London. Bringing together some of the world’s most exciting artists working with light, Lumiere London transforms many of London’s most iconic streets and building in the West End and King’s Cross area. The festival is completely free to attend and was launched on Thursday, 14th January 2016 and will run through Sunday, 17th January 2016. Below are 12 of the illuminations viewed in the West End area for Lumiere London 2016.

1. The Light of The Spirit by Patrice Warrener
The Light of the Spirit envelops the west façade of Westminster Abbey in colour and light. The projection highlights the architectural mastery of the building and audiences witness the beautiful statuettes of 20th-century martyrs reimagined.
Lumiere London 2016: The Light of The Spirit by Patrice Warrener. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

2. Centre Point Lights
Temporarily positioned in Trafalgar Square, the Centre Point sign normally sit atop the Centre Point building at 101–103 New Oxford Street, London.
Lumiere London 2016: Centre Point Lights. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

3. The Garden of Light by artist TILT
The Garden of Lights in Leicester Square Gardens is filled with giant illuminated plants designed to bring a taste of the tropics to wintry January.
Lumiere London 2016: The Garden of Light by artist LILT Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

4. Luminéoles by Porté par le vent
Originally created for Fete des Lumières Lyon in France, these majestic and dream-like creatures ebb and flow against the wind, illuminating the night sky on Piccadilly Street.
Lumiere London 2016: Lumineoles by Porter par le vent. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

5. 195 Piccadilly by NOVAK
This illumination at 195 Piccadilly explores the different genres of cinema and television using images from BAFTA’s archive.
Lumiere London 2016: 195 Piccadilly by NOVAK. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

6. Eléphantastic! by Topla-design © Catherine Garret
Sitting atop at archway on Regents Street, an illuminated elephant emerges stomping from a cloud of dust, lost in the city.
Lumiere London 2016: Eléphantastic! by Topla-design © Catherine Garret. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

7. Shaida Walking. 2015 by Julian Opie
Near the busy and popular shopping district of Carnaby Street, Shaida Walking is illuminated to mimic a young lady walking.
Lumiere London 2016: Shaida Walking. 2015 by Julian Opie. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

8. Dresses by Tae gon KIM
Displayed in the windows at world famous Liberty Department Store, two dresses made from fibre-optic LEDs changes colour over time.
Lumiere London 2016: Dresses by Tae gon KIM. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

9. 1.8 London by Janet Echelman / Studio Echelman
Displayed high above Oxford Street, this enormous net sculpture is named after one of the astonishing impacts of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
Lumiere London 2016: 1.8 London by Janet Echelman / Studio Echelman. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

10. Lightbenches by Bernd Spiecker for LBO LichtBankObjekte
Stationed in Grovesnor Square, two park benches light up and change colour.
Lumiere London 2016: Lightbenches by Bernd Spiecker for LBO LichtBankObjekte. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

11. Brothers & Sisters by Ron Haselden
Originally commissioned by Canary Wharf Arts, this installation also in Grovernor Square is based on drawings by school children from the Isle of Dogs, London. These portraits of siblings have been transformed into large sculptures using LED embedded light-rope.
Lumiere London 2016: Brothers & Sisters by Ron Haselden. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

12. Spinning Night in Living Colour by Elaine Buckholtz
Inspired by Van Gogh’s painting All Night Café, the colours of the original were reinterpreted into this piece also in Groversor Square, giving the appearance that light is radiating from the print in slow motion.
Lumiere London 2016: Spinning Night in Living Colour by Elaine Buckholtz. Photo credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

These are but 12 of the 31 illuminations across the city which are simply marvellous. So if you are in London this weekend, be sure to check out Lumiere London which continues until Sunday, 17th January. If you can’t make it but want to experience other festivals and major events in London, be sure to check out our 2016 list! In total, there are 63 major sporting and cultural events spread throughout the year so something for one and all.

NOTE:   Lumiere London is back for 2018 and will take place 18th through 21st January.  Find out more via the Visit London website.