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Harrogate's new 'Luminarium' opens to visitors

The Luminarium is now open on the Stray. (All images: Richard Maude)

A giant walk-through art installation is now open on The Stray in Harrogate.

Luminarium, created by internationally renowned designers Architects of Air, began welcoming visitors yesterday (Thursday) as part of Harrogate International Festivals' 60th anniversary celebrations.

The monumental inflatable structure, in place until Sunday (14th June), features winding tunnels, soaring domes and radiant colours created by natural light filtering through specially designed translucent fabric.

More than three million people across 40 countries have experienced the attraction, which has now arrived in Harrogate as the first event in the new Harrogate Unlocked programme.

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said visitors can expect a unique and memorable experience.

She told Your Harrogate:

"It's a sensory space and when you walk inside, there are tunnels filled with beautiful colour and then atriums that open up - a bit like a cathedral or the inside of a mosque, it's got that sort of vibe - and with a lovely soundscape.

"If you want to get away with the family it's a great place, whether the weather cheers up or it continues to rain, it's one of those things that you'll never forget."

The installation has been designed by Architects of Air founder and Artistic Director Alan Parkinson, who has spent decades creating light-filled sculptures that aim to inspire a sense of wonder through colour and space.

Speaking about the project, he said:

"What motivates me to design is the fact that I continue to be struck by the beauty of light and colour found in the luminaria.

"These structures nurture an awareness of a pure phenomenon that gently cuts through everyday conditioned perceptions and awakens a sense of wonder in people."

Luminarium is the first event in Harrogate International Festivals' Harrogate Unlocked project, which aims to bring people together through outdoor cultural events while boosting footfall in the town centre.

The programme has been supported by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, Harrogate BID and the HIF@60 Fund, with funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.

Luminarium – Architects of Air – by Alan Parkinson, is at The Stray, Harrogate, from 11 to 14 June. Tickets are £7 each, or £24 for 4.

For tickets visit the Harrogate International Festivals website at harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or call the Box Office on 01423 562 303.

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