A giant inflatable luminarium, a maze, treasure hunts, music and street performances are among the highlights at next weekend’s Dundee Summer Streets Festival.
The festival, which returns for its second year, promises a vibrant spectrum of entertainment for all ages.
At the heart of the two-day extravaganza will be the luminarium, a huge 182ft long by 105ft wide inflatable sculpture on display in City Square.
Designed by Architects of Air and inspired by Indian architecture, the public are invited to explore the inflatable tunnels, offering a calming and immersive experience through the use of light, colour and sound.
Alan Parkinson, from Architects of Air, said: “No two visits are the same as the atmosphere inside alters according to changing weather and changing light outside. The experience is also affected by how the public inhabits the luminarium – each visitor forms part of the living sculpture.”
The festival is sponsored by the Overgate Shopping Centre alongside game designer Ninja Kiwi, Insights Learning and Development and Unesco City of Design.
Insights founder Andi Lothian said: “The idea behind the luminarium is a voyage of self-discovery and reflection.
“We are extremely proud of our Dundee roots and having the luminarium in the city shows that it is light years ahead of everywhere else.”
Other events taking place this year include a maze in Albert Square featuring a host of Dundee landmarks.
The Overgate Centre will also stage a series of events.
Claire Dow, principal events organiser at Dundee City Council, said: “The public are invited to explore the streets in all sorts of ways – walking tours, silent discos and digital treasure trails.
“Also don’t miss the Typography Tour, or join Abertay’s Collector Digital Treasure Trail.
“There’s a packed music programme featuring local acts including Esperi, Haystack Monolith and Lonely Bones bringing their music to the Overgate, at McManus and along Reform Street.
“Surge have programmed the street performers again this year, and we are delighted to welcome their new Scottish work and guests all across the festival.
“Look out for the Bureau of Silly Idea’s marble run in Reform Street and their hilarious street furniture menagerie.”
The Overgate outpost will feature music, bubble fun and guests from the Royal Society Of Chemists exploring the Chemistry Of Curry.
The McManus is also joining in with their Big Explore weekend. The museum will have living history performances across the museum that celebrate famous explorers from Dundee’s past, interactive storytelling sessions for little ones, workshops, music and more.
Albert Square will feature a bespoke maze, designed and built by Dundee Rep Theatre and perfect for wee explorers.
And if that wasn’t enough to cram in – its also farmer’s market weekend, with favourite producers in City Square.
Claire said: “I’m excited to welcome people to the city centre for two days of colour and fun.
“The exploration theme allowed us to think about our interactions in the city and to send people on tours and treasure trails around the streets. The team can’t wait to welcome people into the luminarium, see wee ones in the maze or getting in a bubble in Overgate before playing a game or two in Reform Street.”
The festival is looking for volunteers to support the centrepiece luminarium. The exciting space needs friendly and approachable stewards. Check out volunteerdundee.org.uk/volunteering for details. dundee.com
