After Dark lights up Docklands Campus

The University of East London's Docklands Campus witnessed a spectacular transformation during the After Dark festival, blending art, science, and activity in a dazzling celebration.

Held to mark the Olympic and Paralympic year and as part of the University’s Year of Science celebration, the festival on 29 February illuminated the night with installations, parades, presentations, and interactive games to warm up a winter night.

Performances by artists – some on stilts, some in costume - drawing students, staff, families, and local businesses to participate in an array of free movement-based activities, from ice-free curling to hula hooping.

Giant puppets, crafted by theatre students under the guidance of master puppet-maker Charlie Tymms, paraded through the campus, infusing magic into the night. African dance and drumming performances added rhythm and energy, complementing the magical installations that dotted the busy campus.

Assistant Chief Operating Officer Hilary Lissenden said, 

We are pleased that the After Dark festival has proven such a success, showcasing the extraordinary power of creativity, movement, and exploration.

“At the University, we’re keen to show that sport and movement are not confined to stadia or fields -they come alive whenever people get involved in activity of any kind, in the rhythm of dance, the magic of immersive experiences, and in every form of human expression."

Art and design student Luna Goodwin was especially pleased at the timing of the After Dark festival as it coincided with her first exhibition at the AVA Building. She was also one of the team that made the puppets as a group project.

Among the work of fine art students, Luna had three pieces on display, the most striking being a large tooth sculpture called Out Of Scale, made of wax, plaster of Paris, acetate – and eye shadow. “I’m really proud of it,” Luna said. “I even dressed to match it!”