Chthonic Head to shine at First Light Festival in Lowestoft

With the UK's only free beach festival making a welcome return to Lowestoft, an "amazing" bronze casting of an ancient head is set to be a prominent feature.

The Chthonic Head on Lowestoft's South Beach. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

As Lowestoft's solstice arts festival returns to celebrate the cycles of the midsummer sun in Britain's most easterly town, organisers First Light CIC said "something for everyone" will be available this year.

As well as a feast of free live music, some of the UK’s foremost artists, scientists, performers, poets, comedians and dancers will delight the crowds for First Light Festival 2023 this Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18.

Chthonic Head being installed in Lowestoft. Picture: Jo Leverett (Image: Jo Leverett)

Prominent landmarks will also become focal points of the weekend.

Chthonic Head being transported in Lowestoft. Picture: Jo Leverett (Image: Jo Leverett)

A "colossal" six-foot bronze head by internationally renowned sculptor Laurence Edwards is set to wash up on the South Beach.

Chthonic Head being lifted into place in Lowestoft. Picture: Jo Leverett (Image: Jo Leverett)

The bronze casting of an ancient head by the acclaimed sculptor will be embedded into the sand and situated on the tideline.

Chthonic Head being lifted into place in Lowestoft. Picture: Jo Leverett (Image: Jo Leverett)

It will be exposed at low tide and will then be submerged under the waves when the water is high, as it is buffeted and coloured by the salt water.

The 1.8m head is known as the 'Chthonic Head' - as it weighs about 750kg (1,650lb).

Chthonic Head being lifted into place in Lowestoft. Picture: Jo Leverett (Image: Jo Leverett)

On Tuesday, heavy equipment lifted the giant head to its new resting place on the beach - as it is situated not far away from the New Dawn stage.

And just as Pakefield Man has become an iconic symbol of the multi-arts festival - and will return this weekend - organisers said Chthonic Head "will be a sight to behold at First Light Festival."

The Chthonic Head on Lowestoft's South Beach. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mr Edwards - who created the 'Yoxman' sculpture just off the A12 in Yoxford - began his art education in Lowestoft, and has since developed an international reputation for large scale public works.

He will also be modelling life like portraits of people live in the ArtHub tent and will deliver a talk as part of Sunday’s Ideas on the Green programme at this weekend's festival.

'Absolutely stunning'

Genevieve Christie, CEO of First Light Festival CIC, said the sculpture was "absolutely stunning" and admitted it will "add more interest" to an action-packed weekend.

Mrs Christie said: "Laurence's work really is very compelling.

Genevieve Christie, Chief Executive Officer at First Light Festival CIC with the Chthonic Head on Lowestoft's South Beach. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"To see how it has kind of risen up out of the sand - well it just looks fantastic.

"It is an amazing piece of work."

Pakefield Man - which is to be installed on Thusday - by sculptor Tobias Ford, will be found by the main Sunlight Stage this weekend.

The new sea serpent sculpture in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Organisers said that "the First Light Serpent" - created in Lowestoft by Scenic Projects - will also be popping up on South Beach across the Festival weekend.

Genevieve Christie with the new sea serpent sculpture. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The festival runs from noon to 9.30pm on Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, with a dawn sunrise programme of arts from 3.30am on Sunday morning.