After Dark Festival Draws Thousands for a Dazzling Night

This year’s Fire and Circus theme transformed the University into a theatrical playground, complete with flame-throwing performances, a high-flying circus show, and a glowing illuminated parade. The festival, now a major fixture in East London’s cultural calendar, was a vivid display of creativity and community, blending cutting-edge artistic expression with hands-on participation.

A celebration of creativity and innovation

The night opened with a procession of glowing performers and installations, leading crowds through the campus towards the Big Top at SportsDock, where Circus Pzazz took centre stage. Spectators watched in awe as aerialists and acrobats performed gravity-defying stunts, while interactive workshops gave festivalgoers the chance to try their hand at juggling and unicycling.

Throughout the evening, visitors were treated to a mesmerising mix of live music, large-scale art pieces, and theatrical performances from acts including Air Giants with Luma, Worldbeaters Spark!, Circo Rum Baba, Show Globes, and Murmuration Arts’ Lullaby. The atmosphere was electric, with bursts of applause and laughter filling the air as audiences engaged with performers.

The festival also showcased the innovative work of UEL students, who played a key role in bringing many of the installations to life. A standout feature was LUMA, an interactive installation by the water that combined soft robotics, digital technology, and storytelling - an example of UEL’s interdisciplinary approach to learning and creativity.

Hilary Lissenden, assistant chief operating officer for Sport and Active Campus and event sponsor, highlighted the festival’s growing impact, both in the community and within UEL itself.

Of course, it’s great to see how the festival is growing in community reach and impact. But I’m even more pleased to see the extent of collaboration now with our academic Schools. After Dark is distinguished by building in real-world opportunities for students to practise their careers-based skills. This gives them something special and tangible to bring to interview in the job market, as well as the confidence and resilience to succeed."

A festival with a purpose

Beyond the spectacle, this year’s festival carried an important message as part of UEL’s Year of Health, an initiative focused on tackling health inequalities and ensuring that good health is a right, not a privilege.

Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of UEL, emphasised the University’s role in driving social impact, highlighting the urgent need for action in east London.

Newham faces some of London’s most pressing health challenges: high air pollution, the highest levels of temporary housing, and developmental delays affecting one in five children. These figures demand action," she said. "Through innovation, investment, and community action, we are working to create tangible, lasting change where it matters most." 

She also highlighted UEL’s significant contribution to London’s workforce, noting that:

• 1 in 12 London nurses are UEL-trained
• 1 in 8 social workers started their journey at UEL
• 1 in 10 teachers and 1 in 4 early years professionals in the capital were educated at the University

"We invest in our students, our research, and our communities, knowing that the benefits extend far beyond our campus walls," she added.

A lasting impression

Running alongside the festival was UEL’s Open Evening, where prospective students attended subject talks before immersing themselves in the celebrations. The event offered them a first-hand experience of UEL’s vibrant and innovative approach to education, giving them a glimpse into the university’s unique blend of learning and real-world impact.