School turns competition win into public art trail

A Hampshire school has earned an award from the Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas competition.

The £1,000 prize was received by Noadswood School in Dibden Purlieu, funding their participation in Light the South, a significant public art project in Southampton and Cowes.

The prestigious award was granted following student Charlie Hudson's design submission.

This included visually striking artwork to illuminate Hillier Garden's prominent Jermyn's House during last year's Christmas light trail schools' challenge.

Noadswood School's Light Up Noadswood (Image: Supplied)

The Art and Humanities Research Council and Light Up Trails jointly funded the prize money won by the school.

As part of this thriving project, 40 large lighthouse sculptures are being exhibited in Southampton and Cowes' streets and public spaces for around eight weeks, starting from July 6.

In collaboration with Southampton Hospitals Charity, each lighthouse has been thoughtfully painted by artists to promote an enjoyable discovery trail for locals and visitors.

It's not just the professionals getting involved; Noadswood School is one of 40 organisations, including other schools and community groups, that are also showcasing mini lighthouses as part of the Little Lights learning programme.

After the Light the South art trail concludes in August, a final presentation of the lighthouses will occur in September.

To further support the Southampton Children’s Hospital, the lighthouses will then be auctioned off.

Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas is preparing to return in 2024, with its all-new light art trail running from November 28 until January 1.

Excitement for the event is already mounting, as evidenced by rapidly sold tickets.

This year's event will also debut Super Peak tickets that will offer guests a select number of extra special nights.

The addition of live entertainment, featuring fire jugglers and dramatic aerial artists from Steamship Circus, means attendees can anticipate an illuminated and mesmerising experience.