Thousands of people are expected to flock to the streets of Cambridge this weekend for a spectacular light show which shows how research at the University is helping to transform the future.

Exactly a year after the start of its 800th anniversary celebrations, the University is bringing the 12-month programme to a close in the same way it began – by lighting up some of its most famous buildings with a breathtaking light show which members of the public can come and see for free.

For three evenings beginning on Saturday, January 16th, an array of colourful images will bring iconic buildings such as Regent House and King’s College Chapel to life.

While last year’s opening event focused on Cambridge’s history, however, this year’s display draws its inspiration from the life-changing research which is taking place there today. The images are all taken from the wide variety of academic work which is currently underway at the University and has the potential to transform the future.

The light show, entitled “Transforming Tomorrow”, has been designed by the world-renowned light artist Ross Ashton and will start at the University’s Senate House and Old Schools. Spectators will then be able to follow a circular route from Senate House Yard, down Senate House Passage and into the grounds of King’s College, where another piece of light art will be projected on to the Gibbs Building as well as Cambridge’s most famous landmark, King’s College Chapel.

Each part of the route has its own theme. The first, Blurring The Boundaries, is a video installation which examines the interactions between art and science. Nano, which will be projected on to the Chapel, will feature an array of images from the Cambridge Nanoscience Centre. Proteins to Planets, on the Gibbs Building, will illustrate the range of research in the physical sciences taking place at Cambridge, from galaxies and nebulae to fruit flies and plant cells.

Geoff Morris, Head of the University’s 800th Anniversary Year, said: “Eight centuries of achievement have left Cambridge with plenty to celebrate, but the best way to bring the anniversary programme to a close is by looking forward to the next 800 years.

“The University of Cambridge transforms not only the lives of its students and staff, but those of countless others through the world-leading research that takes place within its walls. We look forward to welcoming people to this year’s light show and to giving them the chance to witness a display based on work that is underway today and could soon be transforming tomorrow.”

The event will run from 6.30pm until 10pm on each of 16, 17 and 18 January and is free and open to the public.

The light show is generously supported by Barclays.
 

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