Speed of Light

Community Celebrations is our latest national programme, which will create high-profile spectacular and innovative celebrations in communities across the UK. Legacy Trust UK has committed £3 million to this programme which aims to create a cultural legacy in each of the successful areas (Scotland, Northern Ireland, East Midlands and South East England).

Speed of Light testing on Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh (Alan McAteer)

Speed of Light is a remarkable interaction between public art and sport which will take place on Arthur’s Seat during the 2012 Edinburgh International Festival, linking the end of the Olympic Games with the start of the Paralympic Games three weeks later.

During a series of ticketed night-time events, specially designed energy harvesting technologies will be activated by walkers and runners, animating the hillside with trails of patterned light. Regular walkers through to professional athletes will wear these special kits which change colour depending on the movement and pace of the wearers. Speed of Light will investigate why we run and explore the physical and emotional aspects to endurance running, testing both the physical limits of the human body and the power of mind over matter.

Speed of Light testing on Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh (Alan McAteer)

Staged in partnership with the Festival, the three-week presentation will promote innovative energy conservation technology and also show how public art and sport can be presented in a new and creative way. In addition, there will be a 275 mile endurance event, 21 x 21, where runners from all over Scotland will be able to take part in a half marathon hill run every day over the three-week period.

Runners and wheelchair athletes from across the UK can find out more or register to take part by going to the Speed of Light website.