The Stove Network are bringing a ‘Tower of Light’ to Dumfries this December as a midwinter celebration for all the family to enjoy, bringing a bright light to Dumfries town as we say goodbye to 2020 and move into a hopeful new year.
On Sunday 20th December, the iconic 18th century Windmill Tower at Dumfries Museum will be illuminated by 1,000 candles for one night only, bringing an evening of light and hope to the town. Everyone is invited to come along to see the Tower of Light spectacular, make a wish and shine a light in the darkness of midwinter.
Lead artist Katie Anderson commented: “After what has been a really challenging year for us all, we hope that the Tower of Light will illuminate a hopeful message on one of the darkest days of the year that will last into the coming months and mark a moment to reflect and come together as a community. We are incredibly grateful to be able to work together to create the Tower of Light at one of Dumfries’ most well-known landmarks.”
The Tower of Light will illuminate the Windmill Tower at 5pm on Sunday 20th December, running until 7.30pm. Audiences are invited to visit the site throughout the day to observe the installation and come back as darkness falls to see the full effect of the installation.
Visitors to the Midwinter Tower of Light are encouraged to add to the installation by reflecting on 2020 and leave their own ‘message of hope’ to mark a significant moment in this year. As we step out of the dark and into a New Year and what looks to be a new beginning, it is hoped that the Tower of Light will be a way to connect the community and bring hope to those who visit, despite the difficulties the year has brought to everyone.
Councillor Adam Wilson, the Council’s Events Champion said, “The Tower of Light installation can be a Christmas inspiration for visitors. The Stove Network has put a lot of thought and effort into considering how to bring people together safely during the festive season and developed this concept. I hope many people will be able to safely visit the grounds of the Museum to take in this light installation, and that it offers encouragement and hope for Christmas and 2021.”
The visual artwork is fully accessible and there will be social-distancing measures in place. No booking is required, but stewards will be on hand to maintain safe social distancing throughout. The Midwinter Tower of Light will be visible from lots of vantage points around the town. If you are unable to make it along to the museum grounds for a closer view the installation will also be streamed online so that everyone can access the event.
Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions the museum building will not be open during the Tower of Light event. The one way system in place to allow safe visiting of the illumination involves entry to the museum grounds from the corner of Church and Primrose Streets and access via the garden steps to the level of the Windmill Tower. There will be 8 disabled parking spaces inside the main gate of the museum (at the corner of Rotchell Road and Church Street) and an alternative access route for visitors with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
Midwinter Tower of Light is produced by The Stove Network in partnership with Dumfries Museum and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
For more information visit the Stove Network website: www.thestove.org
