A celebration of language through light, music and ideas.
Between 21 and 23 October, you can expect Oxford Road to come to life with a new arts and entertainments project, organised in celebration of Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor and the people who work, study and live in the area.
The Oxford Road Corridor is a partnership comprising both our University and Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester City Council, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Bruntwood, Manchester Science Partnerships, HOME, Royal Northern College of Music and representation from many of Manchester’s leading cultural institutions.
The Corridor of Light event will see glowing art installations fill venues, buildings and parks all along the busy street, bringing the work of some of the most acclaimed artists in the world – including plenty of Manchester-based talent – to our doorstep.
Entirely free to attend, and running from 6pm to 10pm each night, this special series of events and experiences will bring to life the Corridor’s unique constellation of knowledge and culture, championing the area’s change-makers – both past and present.
What to expect
Expect light shows, poetry, theatre, literature, music and more…
OUR BEATING HEART AT CIRCLE SQUARE: A mirror ball on a grand scale in the shape of a heart will reflect light in fantastical, swirling and changing patterns.
ILLUMINATING NATURE AT THE MANCHESTER MUSEUM: Manchester Museum will have a new display in its window featuring a number of stunning shells from its collection, including Cowrie shells, Keyhole Limpets and Star Turban shells, which all glow a brilliant, florescent pink and show just how magical nature can be.
THE SUNDAY BOYS AT THE WHITWORTH: Take a moment to soak up atmospheric choral song by LGBTQ+ low voice choir The Sunday Boys performing at the Whitworth’s Sculpture Terrace alongside Recovery Poem.
ALIGHT ON LEMN SISSAY’S POETRY, IT’S TIME TO STELLIFY AT UNIVERSITY PLACE: Our very own BAFTA-nominated and international prize-winning writer, broadcaster and poet, Lemn Sissay OBE will read four of his most-loved poems for Corridor of Light.
THE FIRE GARDEN AT HOMEGROUND: A collection of handcrafted fire sculptures will turn an empty lot close to HOME into an otherworldly landscape of flame-lined paths, shimmering shapes and heat.
Other highlights around campus will include:
- A new commission by Tim Etchells – a neon artwork on the Booth Street East bridge will showcase the link between two University buildings.
- Move Fast and Brake Things by Antonio Roberts – inspired by the first computer to store and run a programme, this dynamic, fast-paced projection on University Place will explore the comparatively innocent origins of computing and the thrill of innovation – but also how the messy and chaotic future we’re now living in may have been unforeseen. Discover more of Antonio’s work at Alan Gilbert Square where you will find Let’s Never Meet, an exploration of intellectual connections with people we may never physically meet.
View the full programme here and stay up to date with the latest news and updates on the Oxford Road Corridor Facebook page.