Light shows give landmark buildings chance to shine

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL: Top and above, the Square Chapel Art Centre comes to life in a 10-minute light and sound spectacular to mark its 30th anniversary which formed part of Illuminating Halifax. THREE landmark buildings in Halifax were lit up in spectacular style this weekend.

Thousands of people saw sound and light projections bringing to life the Square Chapel Arts Centre, which this year marked its 30th anniversary, Halifax Minster and the Piece Hall.

The art centre marked 30 years with a 10-minute light and sound show, while lasers lit up coats of arms on the ceiling of the 900-year-old Minster in a display celebrating its first organist, William Herschel.

Meanwhile the Piece Hall, which reopened last year after a £19m redevelopment, housed a frosted Christmas light installation which used its vast courtyard as a backdrop.

Appropriately the projections on the Square Chapel, by Illuminos, were made up of cubes, which came to life, spinning, turning and dissolving.

They showed images of people who have played a part in the life of the chapel, which was rescued from dereliction in the late 1980s by the Square Chapel Trust.

The earliest concerts took place in the dark, undecorated auditorium and both audience and performers had to wear hard hats because of the danger of plaster falling from above.