Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre is set to be transformed with illuminated artworks and interactive experiences at a free event next week.

Appetite's 'Newcastle Under Light' will take place on Wednesday 4 March from 6pm to 9pm, outside the Guildhall and in the surrounding streets.

The centrepiece of the evening will be an animation by artists leo&hyde, working with 2099 Studios, which combines voice notes, memories and photographs shared by local people into an artwork projected onto the Guildhall.

Visitors will also be able to see 'And…Breathe' by Pif Paf, which invites audiences to step inside a pagoda structure for a sound and light experience centred on breath.

'Squeeze Me' by Air Giants, is another artwork on display which features giant inflatable creatures that respond when hugged.

There will also be an an immersive light projection, 'Eternal Ensemble', by Onyva! Studio, where cellist Aileen Williams performs Pachelbel's Canon in D across multiple screens from different viewpoints, and 'Cloudscapes' by street theatre performers Kitsch & Sync.

Heather Dowler, interim director of Appetite, said: "Newcastle Under Light is all about creating moments of connection.

"From seeing residents' own memories reflected onto the Guildhall to hugging a glowing inflatable creature or taking a breath together inside the pagoda, it's an evening designed to surprise, delight and bring people together in the town centre."

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Squeeze Me by Air Giants (image via Jon Aitkens)

Newcastle Under Light is the third and final event in Appetite's Light Up Winter series, with previous events help in Middleport and Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent.

Light Up Winter is funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England's Creative People and Places programme, with additional support from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Denise Coates Foundation and Middleport Matters.

The series has been delivered in partnership with Middleport Matters, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and Stoke Creates.

Charl Pearce, manager of Newcastle Under Light co-hosts Newcastle BID, added: "This event is a real celebration of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

"It will bring families, friends and visitors into the town centre to experience something joyful and different together – and it's fantastic to see local voices and stories at the heart of it."

The event is free to attend, with no booking required.

British Sign Language tours are available and must be pre-booked by contacting [email protected]

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