Night of Festivals, London 2012 Programme

Nottingham

In 2012 Night of Festivals was given LONDON 2012 FESTIVAL status, meaning the Festival became part of the official Cultural Programme for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Whilst retaining its theme of celebrating freedom and democracy, Night of Festivals used the opportunity to express the theme through the focus of 'Welcoming the World'.

The 'Welcoming the World' programme took place in Nottingham and featured:

 

• A partnership with the European Commission, entitled Sounds of Stories, which brought European storytellers to the city performing in a traditional Mongolian yurt

 

• A moving image programme in the ArtReach Nanoplex (a 12 seater converted caravan with full digital projection and surround sound) featuring the work of experimental moving image makers from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia, North America and South America – each piece providing a fascinating cultural insight into the theme of freedom and democracy. 

 

• A commission and Nottingham residency for Atis Rezistans, sculptors based in a makeshift car repair yard in Port-au-Prince on the island of Haiti. For Night of Festivals Atis Rezistans created the iconic Queen Erzulie statue.

 

• The world premiere of Michael Nyman’s new short film Witnesses with specially written new music by the composer. You can see our other Nyman pieces here!

 

• The first appearance in the UK of a traditional Haitian rara band, Rara lakay, a twelve piece band who perform processional music on traditional cornets made out of recycled metal.

 

• A live performance programme including, Zoe Keating, Emily Barker and Red Clay Halo and a finale DJ set from international artist Gilles Peterson.

Night of Festivals 2012 Short Video

Carnival Day 

Night of Festivals 2012 Gallery