Fire & Light, an illuminated, magical outdoor experience at
The Helix, Home of the Kelpies, returns this New Year with an event
that promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Now in its fourth year, the spectacular Fire & Light: Cosmic
Fortunes is also expected to draw bigger crowds, with a record
11,000 tickets now on sale. The event on January 1st
and 2nd features a 4K walk from Falkirk Stadium to the iconic
Kelpies and back. It will see Helix Park transformed by a stunning
combination of fire performances, interactive light installations,
captivating puppetry and animated projections - all against the
backdrop of the world's largest equine sculptures.
This year's theme is the 12 signs of the zodiac and will feature
creations from five Scotland-based artists and one special touring
exhibition. Visitors will be greeted at the entrance to Helix Park
by fortune tellers, keen to tell visitors what lies ahead and make
predictions for 2019.
Managed by Falkirk Community Trust with support from Scotland's
Winter Festivals event fund, Fire & Light 2019's artists
include: David Powell, who is creating two giant wicker structures
to represent Aries and Sagittarius; Pyroceltica, experts in fire
sculpture and performance; and Vision Mechanics who are known for
their infamous giant puppet 'Big Man Walking' and making three
installations for the event.
Jane McInally, a Glasgow-based artist famed for her expertise in
creating spectacular paper lanterns is working on the 13th
installation, a community project which is being created by the
young people of Falkirk. Jane is working in partnership with 16
young people from local schools and colleges to create a special
interactive installation.
During the event, visitors are invited to walk through enchanted
lagoons, mystical everglades and explore the star signs. A family
friendly experience for all ages, this year's Fire & Light will
have steaming hot cups of cocoa, winter warming foods by the open
fires, and marshmallow toasting.
Fire & Light is becoming a must-do on the New Year calendar
and The Trust believes it's a perfect first walk of the New Year.
Neil Brown, General Manager of Falkirk Community Trust, said:
"New Year is a particularly meaningful time for many people
and Fire & Light: Cosmic Fortunes is an opportunity for people
to look to the future, be inspired and celebrate new beginnings,
not to mention get their first bracing walk of the New
Year.
"There is something for all ages with our latest show and
some incredibly creative contributors and of course our stunning
and magical Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures, are the
cherries on the cake. We're expecting ticket sales to be brisk, so
we are advising visitors to book as soon as they can."
Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development Ben
Macpherson said:
"With their exciting and diverse programme of activity,
Scotland's Winter Festivals provide a great opportunity to
celebrate everything great about our wonderful country during the
winter months, reaching local and international audiences
alike.
"Every year, our Winter Festivals welcome hundreds of
thousands of people from far and wide who come to Scotland to
celebrate St Andrew's Day, the Christmas period, Hogmanay and Burns
Night, significantly boosting the economy and engaging with our
diverse communities. Fire & Light at the Helix, home of The
Kelpies, illustrates how our festivals are an occasion to showcase
our unique, world-class tourism assets to a global
audience."
Tickets are available every 15 minutes from
4.00pm-7.00pm on Jan 1 & 2. For further ticket information click
here