'Welcome to Lowestoft': Stages set for 'incredible' weekend

Pakefield Man. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Record breaking crowds are expected to flock to Lowestoft this weekend as First Light Festival 2023 takes centre stage.

The stages being set up in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The "incredible" free multi arts festival - which celebrates the first midsummer sunrise in Britain's most easterly town - is set to provide a tourism boost after 35,000 people attended last year.

Stages being set up on Lowestoft's South Beach for First Light Festival 2023. (Image: Mick Howes)

From noon to twilight and dawn to dusk this Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18, music, performances, science, workshops, wellbeing zones, arts, unique sculptures and something for everyone will entertain the crowds. 

The stages being set up in Lowestoft for First Light Festival 2023. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A feast of creativity, community and culture will see a number of music and event sites transform Lowestoft's South Beach, Kensington Gardens, the Upper Esplanade and Jubilee Parade.

Ticketed events will also be held at Mossy's nightclub in Lowestoft, the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield, St John & St Peter's Church in Kirkley, at the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club in Lowestoft and at East Point Pavilion in Lowestoft.

The stages being set up in Lowestoft for First Light Festival 2023. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

And kicking it all off in style, a special walking parade - which celebrates Lowestoft's unique natural geography - will be headed by five-metre tall fox called Farrah, and giant Lowestoft puppet Sol, representing the Spirit of the Sea.

It will see musicians, performers and community groups dance, swirl and march through town in a celebration of Lowestoft and high streets - as part of Hi! Street Fest, a nationwide project from Emergency Exit Arts in partnership with Historic England.

The stages being set up in Lowestoft for First Light Festival 2023. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Co-created with the local community, the parade is the culmination of months of open workshops, sessions and in-school activities.

'Something to behold'

Genevieve Christie, Chief Executive Officer at organisers First Light Festival CIC, said: "We are really looking forward to seeing you.

"Something for everyone is on offer, with lots for people to have a go at, and I hope families have lots of fun.

Genevieve Christie, Chief Executive Officer at organisers First Light Festival CIC, with the new First Light sea serpent sculpture in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"For me, one of the highlights of the weekend will be the 'Welcome to Lowestoft' opening parade - with a 5m tall fox called Farrah, and the giant Lowestoft puppet, Sol - it will be something to behold."

Last year's festival delivered around £690,000 of visitor spend - and with it supported by East Suffolk Council alongside other partners, Katie Graham, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for communities, leisure and tourism, said: "The festival is now a nationally recognised event, and attracts visitors from across the country, creating pride and providing a genuine boost for the town and local businesses."

Chthonic Head to shine at First Light Festival in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With a giant six-foot bronze head - by internationally renowned sculptor Laurence Edwards - washing up on the South Beach, the 1.8m Chthonic Head weighs about 750kg (1,650lb).

Pakefield Man. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

It will join the iconic Pakefield Man installation by sculptor Tobias Ford - which will be situated on dry land next to the main stage - and new addition, 'the First Light Serpent' - created in Lowestoft by Scenic Projects - on South Beach across the Festival weekend.

The new First Light Serpent at the First Light Festival in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

For the full events programme, visit firstlightlowestoft.com