The first ever light and sound show taking place in Stafford’s Market Square will commemorate the sacrifices made across the two world wars.  

The display by Luxmuralis has previously been seen on the Tower of London and Winchester Cathedral and will now be projected onto the iconic Grade ll* listed Shire Hall in the heart of the county town.

It has been organised as part of a year when communities across the borough, and the country, will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War ll.

Staffordshire-born artists, sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper, joined forces with the borough council to run the event across two nights - Friday 7 March and the following evening, Saturday 8th.  

The sound and light installation by Luxmuralis, ‘Before Action’, has been described as a ‘breathtaking tribute to courage, sacrifice, and remembrance.’  

And next week the frontage of the Shire Hall is set to be transformed into a ‘vivid tapestry of cascading poppies, ethereal light projections, with an evocative soundscape.’

Deputy Leader of Stafford Borough Council, Rob Kenney, said it was a real coup for the area and hoped that residents and visitors would not miss out on seeing the light and sound exhibition.

Peter, Luxmuralis Artistic Director, said: “In the year when we commemorate the end of World War 2 and VE Day 80 those who gave their lives in the two great wars are honoured in this spectacular tribute.

“‘Before Action’ is inspired by themes of reflection and hope and we invite viewers to pause and connect with the poignant stories of the past while contemplating the enduring message of peace.”

The work was initially displayed at the Tower of London in November before moving to various landmarks around the country. Places where other sound and light installations by Luxmuralis have been seen include St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Westminster Abbey, Chatsworth House, as well as Minneapolis and Italy.

Councillor Kenney, continued: “Our community has an enormous affection for our servicemen and women and the sacrifices they made across the globe to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today, so I expect many residents and visitors will want to come and spend quiet reflection at this very poignant tribute in the 80th anniversary year of VE and VJ day.”

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure, added: “In the summer the carpet beds in our beautiful Victoria and Stonefield Parks, in Stafford and Stone, will be dedicated to the 80th anniversary and we know groups, communities, and parishes across the borough will also be marking this year in fitting ways. So it is wonderful that this amazing artistic tribute will be taking centre stage in our county town.”

The free light and sound show is around 20 minutes long and will run on a continuous loop for two hours from 7pm until 9pm in the town’s Market Square on Friday and Saturday, 7 and 8 March.

For more information on the artists’ work see www.luxmuralis.com

Press Release No 6191