With almost 90,000 visitors, the 25th edition of Lights in Alingsås broke the visitor record during the 31 days the light festival took place.
The theme, The Magical World of Mythology, sparked great curiosity and interest. Meanwhile, extended evening hours in shops contributed to a lively atmosphere in the town center, where many visitors also took the opportunity to explore the city’s cafés and restaurants.
A shop window competition was organized for the first time and visitors could vote for the storefront they liked the most. Boutiques, cafes and restaurants in the town center were inspired by the theme.
New collaborations were made with Alströmergymnasiet´s restaurant program. The bakery and pastry students got the mission to develop the very first Lights pastry.
A podcast called “Ljuspodden” (Lights-podcast) was created by two local ambassadors, celebrating the 25 years of the light festival.
Visitors shared their enthusiasm on social media: “This year’s Lights in Alingsås is the best I’ve seen in all these years!” wrote one satisfied visitor on Facebook. “Fun for the young ones and cozy for us adults. Wonderful to see so many people out in town!” commented another. “A perfect activity for the autumn break! Great for a light walk with loved ones,” said a third. “This year’s magical theme was truly something special!”
The lighting designers for the year were Johan Röklander, Valerie Insardi, George Fatseas, Emma Cogswell, Chayot Kiranantawat, Jasmina Memić and Srdja Hrisafovic. With the help of 40 international students and 30 local electrician students, they created six installations.
The first installation was inspired by Nordic mythology, and water creatures lurking in the dark. The next two installations were inspired by Greek mythology. The visitors immersed the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice followed by the myth of Charon, the ferryman of souls, Cerberus, the eternal guardian, and Hades, ruler of the underworld.
Further on the pathway, next to the cemetery, the curved wall was colorized with warm color symbolizing calmness protecting pedestrians from the spirits within the woods. The grassy bank was interactive, decorated with reflectors.
Next installation was the magical forest and the story of Kinnari – a Thai mythology about a half human/half bird creature.
The last installation was inspired by the Bosnian folktale AŽDAJA. It was about two dragons, each symbolizing opposing forces – good and evil. To achieve harmony, these forces must confront and collide, ultimately leading to a rebirth.
Additional highlights were also appreciated such as the video mapping on the Museum wall, the big summer flowers at the starting point, the colored UV-lighted thread art in the river. Both the student electricians and the tour guides created one installation each.
The installation Children´s Lights consisted of four magical interactive rooms where children could play with light and shadows.
Lights in Alingsås is more than just a festival; it´s an example of how light can unite people across borders, generations and professions.
