Summer Lights Festival

Canary Wharf is set to transform into a prism of light this summer, as it welcomes new dynamic artworks onto the Estate for the launch of Summer Lights. Following the huge success of Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights and Connected by Light festivals, held during the year’s darkest months, Canary Wharf is now bringing Summer Lights to the Estate, for the first time, in an all outdoor, free to visit, summer exhibition.

Exploding into life from sunrise, the collection of entrancing installations will use a combination of the sun and colour spectrums to project and celebrate light in its most natural form. While creating a world of intricate patterns and reflections which are visually dazzling, the installations also shine a light on a number of important messages. From sustainability, plastic pollution and energy consumption, to LGBTQIA+ and equality; these important themes are all highlighted through the language of light.

Among the line-up of vibrant works is Ocean Rise by artist Aphra Shemza. Built using sustainable materials, the shape of the piece emulates a wave in the ocean and is accompanied by a bespoke soundscape that visitors can access through a QR code. Another highlight includes Whirl by Helena Doyle X Tom Cherry & Temple, which transforms the wind into a dynamic dance of colour and light. Sitting beneath the domed structure, the audience can enjoy the mesmerising light show overhead.

Open for eight weeks from June until mid-August, this unique festival will host 11 artworks created by some of the UK’s leading light artists. Positioned across the Canary Wharf estate, in prime outdoor locations, visitors are encouraged to soak up the sun and explore each of the works at their own leisure.

Visitors should download the Summer Lights map from CanaryWharf.com to navigate their own journey around the installations or download the Summer Lights podcast to hear about the inspiration behind each piece. Visitors in need of a break between exploring the artworks can enjoy an array of refreshments at any of Canary Wharf’s hundreds of bars and restaurants.

The selected artworks are the latest additions to the Estate’s public art collection, which is the UK’s largest collection of free to visit public art. More than 75 permanent works by over 50 world-renowned artists and craftsmen are on display across the Estate.

Summer Lights forms part of Canary Wharf's wider summer events programme, which runs until September.