LUMINARIUM – INFLATABLE SCULPTURE AT GLASTONBEOLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026

The Concept

Reimagine Redditch’s new Amplify workstream recognises the need for broader community ownership of local cultural events, and includes working closely with major events in Redditch to add to their existing offer.

The hugely popular Glastonbeoley Charity Community Music Festival – to give its full name – has been running successfully for nearly 10 years, growing annually.

The festival has always been a true champion of great live music, performers and bands.

This year, event organiser and local legend, Debbie Joynes teamed up with Reimagine Redditch to expand Glastonbeoley, presenting visitors with an extra, very different type of creative experience… an awe inspiring Luminarium art installation.

By joining forces with glastonbeoleymusicfestival, charity Arts in Redditch, and internationally renowned Architects of Air we commissioned the Luminarium (a giant inflatable sculpture of light and colour) to be a third stage for festival go-ers to experience at no extra cost. 

Luminarium provide a visual and acoustic sensation like no other. The Lumini at Glastonbeoley also provided a quieter space for people, as well as a uniquely intimate venue in which to enjoy a range of acoustic sets throughout the festival.

Thanks go to Arts in Redditch for sponsoring the Luminarium at Glastonbeoley 2026.

Artists

We commissioned world renowned artists Architects of Air to bring their Luminarium to Glastonbeoley, Redditch.

Since 1992 Architects of Air, a Nottingham based company, has built 30+ luminaria, made over 600 exhibitions, and toured in 40+ countries where over 3 million visitors have immersed themselves in the luminous world of Architects of Air.

From the Guggenheim in Spain to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the monumental and interactive walk-in sculptures of Architects of Air, designed by Alan Parkinson, have astounded audiences across the globe.

Architects of Air believes in the social value of the Luminaria. Its mission is to collaborate and co-create with host partners who are committed to enriching their communities.

Founder, designer and artistic director Alan Parkinson describes his intention as an ‘Architect of Air’: “These structures nurture an awareness of a pure phenomenon that gently cuts through everyday conditioned perceptions and awakens a sense of wonder in people.”

Objectives of the Project 

The Amplify workstream operates in a number of ways to enhance local events in partnership with organisers, artists, communities and Reimagine Redditch partners.

Sometimes, that might be by attracting least engaged groups to cultural events, or by providing a creative element at events where there is none, or by boosting events’ creative ambition, access, diverse audience engagement or environmental approach.

For Glastonbeoley 2026, alongside open exploration, Reimagine Redditch curated a programme of gentle, creative and wellbeing-focused activities inside the space, designed to help visitors slow down, connect and fully experience the environment.

This links to a key Reimagine Redditch focus – mental health and wellbeing – which in turn is driven by our organisational value of Consideration.

Impact

More than 1,000 people experienced the Luminarium for themselves at the festival, with 1,000s more enjoying it digitally, online.

By bringing a world-class installation to a local festival setting, the partnership aimed to create a moment that felt both extraordinary and accessible – something that belongs to Redditch as much as it does to the wider world.

Architects of Air’s work offers moments of connection and reflection for everyone. At GlastonBeoley, that global vision met a local community festival known for its warmth, openness and creativity.

Debbie Joynes, GlastonBeoley event organiser, said: “We’re beyond excited to be bringing something so special to this year’s festival.

“GlastonBeoley has always been about creating memorable experiences for people of all ages, and the Luminarium is exactly that – immersive, uplifting and completely unique.

It’s a fantastic example of what can happen when culture, community and wellbeing come together.”