A spectacular new light and sound show featuring lasers by renowned artist Chris Levine and original soundscapes from special guest stars will be the highlight of the Eden Project's Christmas celebrations (beginning November 25).
Festival of Light and Sound will see beautiful laser beams projected high above the outdoor gardens and the Mediterranean Biome will be filled with spellbinding patterns of light and 3D immersive sound.
Appearing live at the festival, singer-songwriter Jamie Crowe has completed his new album Elysium part 1 which he will perform with acclaimed Cornish singer Kezia.
Chris Levine will be creating brand new laser treatments to harmonise with the new sound work.
The focus this year is on the interplay between light and Eden's exotic plant life and landscape, with multiple festive-coloured laser beams tracing and highlighting the shapes and forms of the former clay quarry near St Austell in Cornwall.
The experience will begin at the entrance to Eden where visitors can marvel at the intricate patterns of lasers creating a canopy of light over the gardens.
The journey continues to the Mediterranean Biome, which will be filled with brightly coloured beams choreographed to the soundscapes and live performances.
The festival returns to Eden following a spectacular debut last year.
Gordon Seabright, Eden's chief executive, said: “Festival of Light and Sound will see Eden at its most beautiful. The laser show and new compositions are set to combine perfectly and celebrate nature in our Biome and gardens, creating an enchanting experience for all of our visitors.
“We're confident this Christmas at Eden will be our best ever, with the laser and music show appearing alongside our ever-popular Father Christmas experience, family activities and our magical ice rink.”
Festival of Light and Sound features iy_project, a collaboration between the Eden Project, creative partners EdenLAB and internationally-acclaimed artist Chris Levine.
Originally developed at Eden with support from the Arts Council, iy_project employs pioneering laser and 3D spatial sound technology, and has headlined venues and festivals across the world with top sound artists, including the Glastonbury and Wilderness Festivals in the UK and the highly-prestigious Dark Mofo Festival in Tasmania.
At Glastonbury last year, iy_project worked with conductor Charlie Hazlewood and his 45-piece orchestra as part of the festival's official tribute to the life of David Bowie. The piece was performed to an audience of 25,000 on the Park Stage at midnight on the Saturday of the festival and broadcast live by the BBC.
Chris Levine is a pioneer in the field of light art. Incorporating numerous mediums (laser, photography, holograms) across multiple platforms including music, performance, installation, fashion and design, his creativity is manifest in a multitude of projects.
Singer-songwriter Jamie Crowe will be returning to Eden following his residency last Christmas to perform material from his newly completed album, inspired by Eden, on every night of the festival. Jamie is a Cornwall-based singer and guitarist and used to front top bands Rootjoose and Rairbirds.
Other Eden Christmas favourites will also be making a return, refreshed for the 2017 season.
Father Christmas and his elves will once again be taking up residence for the season. Visitors will be able to hear a magical tale brimming with Christmas cheer and sparkle, told around a roaring fire.
Children will get to meet the elves as they make their final preparations for the big day. Then they share an enchanting moment with Father Christmas himself.
Eden's ice rink is open throughout the winter season with sessions available for various ages and abilities. As well as general skating sessions, lessons from expert tutors will be available. Chilly Juniors, fun sessions for children aged six to 12 on Sundays, will also be making a return.
Toddlers can join the fun too with Sunday morning sessions where they can play with a multitude of toys on the ice without having to wear skates.
Father Christmas will be at Eden from November 25 to Christmas Eve and pre-booking is strongly recommended. Festival of Light and Sound opens on November 25 and will be taking place on selected nights until December 30. Eden's ice rink is open until February 18.