Return of popular ‘Glow Your Own Way’ Light Festival

Popular Community Light Festival, Glow Your Own Way Festival, returned to Great Yarmouth on Saturday, 25th January to Brighten the Dark Winter Days

A popular, free Festival of Lights returned to Great Yarmouth on Saturday, 25 January at the Mag Estate in Gorleston. This will be the second year of the Glow Your Own Way festival, put on by Freshly Greated – an organisation headed by Voluntary Norfolk that seeks to strengthen communities in Great Yarmouth through the medium of the arts. The family-friendly event promises a magical evening filled with lights, music, and amazing performances, offering something for people of all ages.

Last year’s event drew over 350 people across 2 days of event. This year, Freshly Greated believe even more people from the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston area joined in. The festival brings light and joy to the community during the coldest, darkest time of the year, a period when many people can feel down.

The organisers have said that events like this are especially important in helping to build a stronger sense of community in Great Yarmouth. They have proved popular and have brought neighbours together and giving people the chance to feel connected to one another.

The festival focuses on strengthening community links by sharing memories and stories from residents of the Mag Estate. The Freshly Greated team has collected memories of Gorleston from the community. These voices will be heard throughout the event, helping to create a real sense of connection.

 

What happened as part of the Glow Your Own Way Festival?

The event kicked off with a stunning performance from Spark!. They are a group of street performers who mix drumming and colourful lights. Their exciting show set the scene for a night filled with light, sound, and emotion.

The festival’s performances also explored three key emotions, each represented by a different colour:

  • RED: Love, Family, and Passion
  • BLUE: Nostalgia, Childhood, and Innocence
  • GREEN: Joy, Nature, and Care

Younger audiences experiences special ways to explore these feelings through a hunt for “Emotimons”. These were funny creatures full of personality and also bursting with emotions themselves.

One of the festival’s highlights will be the Dancing Fountain in Mag Square. This magical show combines music, lights, and water to create a calming and mesmerising atmosphere. It is a perfect space for quiet reflection or for enjoying with family and friends. Both the local Methodist Church and the St Mary Magdalene Church also be hosted fun activities for people of all ages. They included activities ranging from colourful LED displays to UV facepainting.

 

Why are these events so important?

Madeleine Snowdon, the event organiser, shared her enthusiasm for events like this:

“It has been our absolute pleasure to work with the amazing communities on the Mag to bring Glow Your Own Way to life. Freshly Greated’s Community Producers have shaped the evening’s programme, and many have been an integral part of the event itself.

“We look forward to welcoming people on Magdalen Square. We will light up the evening with fantastic performances, mindful and creative activities for all ages. There are so many exciting experiences to share with friends and family.”

She continued:

“Glow Your Own Way not only created a beautiful celebration of light but also helps to encourage positive conversations around mental health and community wellbeing.

“Events like this play a crucial role in making communities in Great Yarmouth stronger and more connected. They remind people that they are not alone and that we can all support each other, even during some of the toughest times of the year.”