Valentine's Day visitors to Southend will get a sneak preview of some of the amazing artwork that make up the light trail for Southend LuminoCity including a UK premiere.
Monday 14 February is a special day to celebrate love and romance and one of the LuminoCity installations, called Together, will already be in place and features a giant heart formed by interlocking hands - perfect timing for Valentine's Day.
Together, a symbol of hope, unity and resilience was inspired by the response of so many to the pandemic and signifies how important it is to support, help and love each other. It was created by OGE Creative Group from Haifa in Israel and has been seen around the world, but Southend LuminoCity is its UK premiere.
The giant heart will provide a perfect, unique backdrop for romantic photographs and is one of ten installations now confirmed for the festival. Together will be set up from 12noon on Valentine’s Day.
Jacqui Dallimore, chair of the Southend Tourism Partnership said: “I cannot wait to see the Together installation on Valentine's Day. What a unique setting for a romantic moment or even a proposal! With fantastic restaurants and great hotels, Southend has always been a wonderful spot for romance."
Keeping Together is also the name of the Southend BID safety scheme. This simple wristband scheme aims to help visitors stay safe during Southend LuminoCity. Bright yellow wristbands can be collected from various locations. By writing a phone number on the band and attaching it to a child’s or vulnerable person’s wrist, they can be easily reunited with their party or carer by a quick phone call. Details of where to pick up a wristband can be found on the Southend LuminoCity website.
Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said: “The inclusion of the Together installation, which will see its UK premiere at Southend LuminoCity, is a welcome addition to what is already a fantastic line up of installations that will light up our new city. I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy this wonderful free event which kicks off a series of city celebrations throughout the week.”
Southend LuminoCity takes place between Wednesday 16 - Saturday 19 February across Southend High Street, leading to the pier, including an installation on the seafront.
Full details of all the installations are available on www.southendluminocity.co.uk.
A free guide to the festival with all locations for the installations can be obtained from local shops and businesses from Monday 14 February.