Published 3rd March 2025
Inspire Youth Arts presented their 2025 Light Night projection experience: Orbit to at Nottingham Castle on 28 February and 1 March, to enormous crowds of 21,010 people.
Created through a collaboration between young people involved in Inspire Youth Arts (IYA) programmes, Urban Projections and electronic music producer Kirk Spencer; Orbit was an immersive projection experience that transformed the historic architecture of Nottingham Castle into a canvas for reflection and wonder. Inspired by the Overview Effect—the profound shift in perspective astronauts feel when they see Earth from space—the piece explores humanity’s connection to our planet and the universe.
Projected onto the iconic walls of Nottingham Castle, a landmark steeped in history and cultural significance, Orbit bridged the ancient and the cosmic, the local and the universal. From the explosive birth of the cosmos to humanity’s race into space, stunning visuals and dynamic soundscapes take audiences on a breathtaking journey. Microscopic details—like veins and cells—intertwine with sweeping views of galaxies, revealing the profound links between the smallest and largest scales of existence.
The piece used Nottingham Castle not just as a site, but as a symbol—a place where past meets future, where history collides with innovation. Glitches of modern life and environmental crisis give way to nature’s resilience, as the projection blooms into harmony and hope.
Each evening opened with IYA young musicians performing live drumming and electronic beats at Nottingham Castle bandstand in collaboration with Beatfeet and music production artist Trekkah, followed by the immersive projection on the castle walls repeated throughout the evening.
"I loved it! Bec Smith (Urban Projections) is an amazing artist and you can really see the work the young people have put in to it. It was really well thought out, well put together and well executed... we loved it!" - Light Night visitor.
Take a look at Orbit in the photo gallery below.
