In September, MarketPlace Arts brought the internationally acclaimed inflatable sculpture Lumini, created by Architects of Air, to Newmarket for the very first time. For four days, the Memorial Gardens became a space of colour and creativity, with free entry to Lumini and a programme of workshops, activities, and community-led events. The project was run by Maddie Exton, Creative Producer at MarketPlace Arts, and steered by a community panel of local people, who ensured the project reflected local voice.

As the Creative Producer of this work, I wanted to create a programme of activities in Memorial Gardens for people to continue that energy from visiting Lumini, but also to allow people who were just stumbling upon it to have the opportunity to get involved. We had over 23 hours of free workshops with everything from artist-led still life drawing and chair yoga to crochet and sound baths. We also had drumming circles from New Samba, singing sessions with Music Builds Community and zine making from Yve Ward, a local illustrator. To activate the whole park with creative interventions, we added in a birdwatching station with binos from the RSPB that were free to use at any point and a meditation station where people could grab a seat in a deck chair and really chill out, listening to a guided meditation written specifically for the gardens by Janine Tandy. Those who came will remember the amazing yarn bombing on view across the park, which was created by the lovely ladies at Newmarket Library Knit and Natter group.

The project was a massive success for us: when we released tickets for The Lumini, we asked that only people from Newmarket and the surrounding villages book for the first 2 weeks, so that we could ensure this project was offered to the local people first. It completely sold out in 4 days – I was amazed. I was able to invite 15 community groups to have a private slot in the Lumini, which meant we could ensure groups like The Diversity Hub, Foley House and Restore Women’s Aid could access this work for free and with privacy.

These stories show what the Lumini is really about; it’s not just a sculpture landing in Memorial Garden, it’s a project built from a community who asked for creativity, care, and connection and delivered exactly that. Thank you to the nearly 2000 people who came and saw us, Newmarket Town Council for their funding and support and The Arts Council for funding this work.