Digital art, light and creativity shine bright at Waterside's Prism Festival
Step into the light at Prism Festival, where digital art, sound and imagination take centre stage. From glowing outdoor installations to dreamy indoor worlds, this three-day celebration at Waterside brings together artists, families and night owls alike.
Brighten up the darker days with Prism Festival, a vibrant celebration of digital art, light and creativity at Waterside, Sale. From glowing installations to interactive experiences, it’s the perfect winter warmer for all ages - and a brilliant introduction to digital art for younger culture lovers.
Over three dazzling days, visitors can explore a rich programme of digital art, music and sound - both indoors and out. On Waterside Plaza, a host of free family events take place each day beneath the stars - a magical outdoor experience filled with light, sound and imagination.
Two highlights running throughout the festival are Hothouse, an interactive garden of six towering, plant sculptures that light up, move and breathe, inviting everyone to explore this other-worldly robotic landscape; and Happy as the Day is Long, a breathtaking, larger-than-life mirrorball scattering thousands of reflections. It’s the perfect setting for a pop-up silent disco - just grab a pair of headphones and dance the night away.
Inside the venue, there’s even more to discover. The Garden blooms inside the Robert Bolt Theatre for the duration of the festival - a new free commission by digital artist Mary Tallontire, inspired by solarpunk and the art of world-building. Step inside a living, breathing digital world where art, technology and imagination intertwine.
Then, as evening falls, Bloom after Dark takes over the space - a ticketed late-night experience for ages 16+, created by Night People in partnership with Waterside. Expect a heady mix of heart-pumping bass, electric visuals and fierce physicality, with live DJs, dance episodes and 360° digital art. This is old-school rave meets magical garden party.
Two one-off events complete the wondrous Prism programme. On Friday night, in The Chambers, catch live music from global-folk band Mishra, featuring Deepa Shakthi - a hypnotic fusion of Celtic melodies and qawwali rhythm that celebrates both cultural difference and connection. Then on Saturday night, things turn up a notch with Groove and Glow, a family-friendly disco-on-wheels led by Curious Arts. Follow the illuminated trike and dance as wildly as you like in the open air.
What a brilliant mix of free and ticketed events. We love that Prism Festival shines a light on the bright future of art and creativity - right here in Manchester. Get wrapped up and check it out.
20-22 November. Free and ticketed events for all ages.
