The 2021 Festival of Lights

With special emphasis on generational mixing and accessibility, this year’s Festival of Lights features no fewer than 31 creations in 27 sites across the city. But this edition is also about renewal, with 18 lightworks designed by artists taking part in the event for the first time.

Nature takes centre stage

In 2021 more than ever, the Festival of Lights – from the huge moon beneath the glass roof of Les Subsistances to the Place des Terreaux rabbit, the iridescent tints on Saint Jean Cathedral, and the creature of the lake in Tête d’Or Park – is placing nature centre stage, and promising beauty and poetry in equal measure. Besides introducing artists of international renown, the event is also a fabulous springboard for up-and-coming talents, thanks to the student experiments staged on Place Sathonay. In total, 22 exhibits will be shown by about 60 students from art, design and architecture schools in France and Europe.

Candles of the heart

The traditional candles will bathe Place des Jacobins with their flickering glow – in a monumental exhibit that will transform the square into an illuminated water garden, with a charity element. All proceeds from selling candles will go to non-profit Gaelis (“independent Lyon student associations and representatives solidarity group”), which promotes students’ rights.

A festival for children This year’s event will also be scaled to children. Blandan Park (7th arrondissement) will become a vast playground 2.0. Snake, memory game, hopscotch – 10 fun activities involving sound and light will enthuse the littlest among us and offer a novel occasion for family entertainment. Lastly, this year’s event will stretch throughout December, and notably at Les Subsistances, thus prolonging the magic and enjoyment that the festival offers.

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