Laser art display will kick-start Telford anniversary celebrations

The display by laser artist Dal Badial can be seen on New Year's Day and January 2.

Light is a main theme of Telford 50, symbolising celebration and the borough’s bright future.

The year will start with a laser art installation that traverses the borough and connects communities on its path to the Wrekin – representing how the 50th anniversary will connect people and places.

From 5pm until 10pm on both days, seven laser light beams will shoot across the night sky over Telford and Wrekin, figuratively connecting the borough communities and kick-starting a year-long programme of events to celebrate Telford 50.

The lasers will originate from seven different locations, converging on the Wrekin – the borough’s highest landmark – from almost 10 miles away.

People living in the communities closest to the light beam path should be able to see the lasers from their own homes, back gardens or nearby streets.

There have been half a dozen reports of green laser lights being seen in the skies around Telford in recent weeks but police have confirmed the sightings are linked to the laser art display.

Pc Lee Thomas, from Newport safer neighbourhood team, said: "There have been five or six reports in Donnington and one in Newport.

"Officers are aware it's testing being carried out for these celebrations."

As the laser lights mark the start of Telford 50 celebration, people who see them are encouraged to share the moment with family and friends.

Anyone who sees the lasers can post photos of it on the council’s social media pages using the hashtag #TF50light.

Anyone who wants to be kept updated on the laser art installation and to see photos of it can go to the council’s main Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts as well as to the dedicated Telford 50 Facebook group.

The international laser artist Dal Badial, from London based company Laser Hire London UK Ltd, said: “We are very excited to be part of the Telford 50 celebration and to mark the start of the anniversary year right from the beginning of it.

”This is one of the largest laser light installations over distance that we have done – as we will be connecting at the same time seven laser beams (emerging from different locations of the borough) to the Wrekin, from in some cases, almost 10 miles away.

“The laser beams will pass over many communities of the borough and we hope that many people will see and enjoy them. Happy Birthday, Telford."

Telford’s 50th year will see a range of anniversary celebrations and events all year through, many of them being community-led.

These will include parties, festivals, carnivals, events and other festive activities that people can join in.