Dumfries Museum’s windmill tower is to be transformed into an illuminated beacon of hope for the future as we prepare to say good riddance to pandemic-blighted 2020.
The Stove Network and museum staff are encouraging residents to join in the family-friendly Midwinter Tower of Light event on Sunday, December 20 – the day before the winter solstice.
Hailed as an evening of “light and hope,” the white iconic 18th century tower – which houses the camera obscura and stands overlooking Whitesands from Corbelly Hill – will be illuminated by 1,000 candles for one night only from 5pm to 7.30pm.
It will be visible from lots of vantage points around the town.
Residents are invited to visit the site throughout the day to observe the installation and come back as darkness falls to see the full effect of the illumination.
They can go along to light a candle, make a Christmas wish, and also add to the installation by reflecting on 2020 and leaving their own “message of hope” to mark a significant moment in this year of Covid-19.
Lead artist Katie Anderson said: “Everyone is invited to come along to see the Tower of Light spectacular, make a wish and shine a light in the darkness of midwinter.
“As we step out of the dark and into a New Year and what looks to be a new beginning, it is hoped that the Tower of Light will be a way to connect the community and bring hope to those who visit, despite the difficulties the year has brought to everyone.”
Thanking the council and museum staff for sharing The Stove’s vision for the project, Katie said: “We are incredibly grateful to be able to work together to create the Tower of Light at one of Dumfries’ most well-known landmarks.
“After what has been a really challenging year for us all, we hope that the Tower of Light will illuminate a hopeful message on one of the darkest days of the year that will last into the coming months and mark a moment to reflect and come together as a community.”
The visual artwork will be fully accessible and there will be social-distancing measures in place.
No booking is required, but stewards will be on hand to maintain safe social distancing throughout.
If you are unable to make it along to the museum grounds for a closer view the installation will also be streamed online so that everyone can access the event.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions the museum building will not be open during the Tower of Light event.
The council’s events champion, councillor Adam Wilson, said: “The Tower of Light installation can be a Christmas inspiration for visitors. I hope many people will be able to safely visit the grounds of the museum to take in this light installation and that it offers encouragement and hope for Christmas and 2021.”
There will be eight disabled parking spaces inside the main gate of the museum (at the corner of Rotchell Road and Church Street) and an alternative access route for visitors with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
