Spectacular Sharjah Light Festival 2019 to conclude today
The Sharjah Light Festival has been captivating spectators at the landmark buildings and public places in the city since 6th February 2019. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and under the theme ‘Culture and Family, the festival will conclude on 16th February 2019.
This year, the lighting arrangements are based on various themes, implemented by renowned light and sound artists from across the globe. The light festival illuminates the city’s landmarks with spectacular music and light shows, using the latest techniques in lighting, graphics, 3-D and video mapping technology.
Among the key locations included in the festival are the Palm Oasis which was transformed into a ‘Fireflies Forest’, a magical place inviting families and friends to wander and wonder among 330 palm trees installed with tiny beaming LED lights. This technical process has recreated the space into a delightful atmosphere of billions of fireflies.
One more night – Sharjah University City Hall
The show ‘One more night’ by Cindy Lo at the University City Hall is a creative fusion between drawings using various techniques and 2D animations on computer software. Paying tribute to these tales that help us grow and nurture our imagination, the subtle play on visual metamorphosis turns University City Hall’s façade into a magnificent show, reflecting our collective memory filled with princes and princesses, initiatory journeys, mythological animals, lost treasures and wise encounters.
A stunning video mapping projection around the Masjid Al Noor’s landscape and surrounding water environment by Raphaelle Martinez was a tribute to Sharjah as the Culture Capital of the Arab World. Themed a ‘Lagoon’s Reflection’, it is a stunning vision that represents a gateway to the city.
Al Noor Mosque – Lagoon’s Reflections
‘Avenue of Lights’ is the them at the Sharjah University City Campus Avenue, by Nomada Design Team, which is a tribute to the spirit of the Festival symbolising the bonds between Sharjah’s educational monuments. The manifestation, which took around 4 months to set up, features a 4.6 km-long twinkling channel of lights along the avenue where a number of Sharjah’s well-known educational institutions can be found.
The strong bond between nature and humans was interpreted in the show titled “Connections” by Filip Roca and Dan Garotte at the Sharjah Police Academy. Connections between art and science, architecture and light, families and cultures are highlighted as well. By embodying connections between sound, visuals and space on the canvas of three beautiful facades, the show explores the theme on deeper levels.
‘Marching through Life’ by Julien Croyal at the American University of Sharjah is a The 12-minute long presentation, which symbolizes the very theme of educational institutions as centres of knowledge that pass on traditions and knowledge from one generation to another.
American University
The light show by Nooraiz Hasan at the Sharjah Book Authority titled ‘The Living Netting’ depicts how outside cultures and influences also shape a family. Culture and family are both constantly evolving: a symbol for a solid base with constant renewal.
Bridge of Lights
‘A Bridge of Light’ by Alexey Fedorov is a laser show that employs laser mapping to bring to life the beauty of Al Qasba architecture, unveiling the details of the building like delicate, intricate lacework. Emerging from the internal façade, the laser lights reach from either end of Al Qasba, meeting in the middle and creating a bridge of light.
In addition to the series of stunning light shows all around the emirate of Sharjah, the “Food Truck Area” is a must-visit destination during the festival. Located opposite University City Hall, the food truck zone is even more expansive with a greater range of offerings and delectable tastes.
This hub of food truck activity will host more than 30 trucks and stalls in the converted car park with committed chefs preparing everything from burgers, pizza and pasta to sushi. Visitors have the chance to wander from stall to stall, sampling a delicious range of international titbits.