The Royal William Yard is set to once again come alive with light as Plymouth’s spectacular light festival, Illuminate, makes its welcome return later this month. Back for its third year, the festival centre will be transformed into an unforgettable, immersive experience. Set to be bigger and better than ever before with mesmerising light projections and interactive activities, Illuminate marks the first event of the Mayflower 400 commemorative year.

Set to magically transform the Yard on Thursday 28th November to Sunday 1st December, from 5:30pm, the unmissable free event is set to be a night to remember, promising immersive visual art, incredible light installations and a variety of interactive activities for all ages.

As darkness descends on Illuminate there’s plenty of opportunities to make the most of the evening, and the Yard’s well-known restaurants and bars are on hand to provide the perfect experience to plan your evening with friends and family. The illuminate experience will also welcome pop up traders around the yard, offering sweet treats and authentic street food to help keep you warm whilst gazing at the stunning projections.

A unique viewing exclusive to the Yard, visitors even have the opportunity to take to the water on illuminated paddleboards to not only admire the glowing spectacle but to be a part of it. Embarking from Firestone Arch, South West SUP is offering night paddling experiences throughout Illuminate. Tickets are £20 per person and limited to 10 paddlers each night, to find out more go to www.southwestsup.co.uk

Artists

Returning to the Yard by popular demand, renowned international artist Xavi Bové will be wowing visitors with Tree of Memory, a jaw-dropping installation of projection mapping, light and synchronized music. In memory of the lost, the gigantic tree will be located at Mills Bakery where it will sound subtle, individual voices that together form a choir.

Work will also be on show from local artists including Cornish husband-and-wife team, Paul Clark and Antonia Coppen. Celebrating the South West’s vibrant maritime history, their piece, Laser Halyard, will transform the Mills Bakery chimney with an interactive laser display. Audiences are encouraged to join the crew to haul a line of laser flags to the top of the chimney, while an immersive soundscape cheers them on.