Light Night

Towards the end of November, Oxford celebrates light, starting with a procession of children carrying cane and tissue paper lanterns they have made which tell some aspect of Oxford’s history. I don’t know whether whoever thought up this year’s theme had an eye on the USA but the lanterns, modelled on Lewis chess pieces (extras), told the story of Empress Matilda who, as daughter of Henry I, was heir to the throne. The aristocracy felt that a woman could not manage the responsibility of ruling England and she was beseiged in Oxford Castle for three months in 1142. She escaped on a snowy night dressed in white and it took another 400 years before a woman was deemed capable (by some) of ruling the country.
 
After the procession had left the castle courtyard a colony of large, glowing blue spheres emerged, emitting electronic sounds (extras). We were encouraged to engage and to touch. They were cold and clammy. It was much nicer to stand back and take pictures.
 
After the procession had arrived in Broad Street, two illuminated puppet-robot-giants, Xalia and Atom, appeared. They walked along the street, bending to greet children and playing the curious Illumaphonium, here for the weekend.