REFLECTIONS OF EUPHORIA WITHIN FESTIVALS OF LIGHT

T<br/>his paper analyses the role of euphoria as experienced through<br/>moments of ‘glimmer’ within light festivals. Drawing on two light<br/>festivals—one in Bexhill-on-Sea, Southeast England, and the<br/>other at the University of East London—the research examines<br/>how euphoria creates opportunities for light festivals to move beyond<br/>passive consumption by offering communities opportunities for active<br/>engagement, participation, and production.<br/>The paper begins by exploring the concepts of euphoria and glimmer,<br/>providing a theoretical framework for understanding their role in light<br/>festivals, both as concepts and as lived experiences. This is followed<br/>by a brief introduction to light festivals, along with a detailed account<br/>of the ‘After Dark’ festivals. An action-research methodology is employed,<br/>incorporating researcher–practitioner reflection and the analysis of multiple data sources, including photographic and documentary records, field<br/>observations, and festival reviews. Through this process, moments of<br/>euphoria and glimmer within the ‘After Dark’ festivals are identified<br/>and discussed.<br/>The findings are organised around three themes: Programming Moments<br/>of Euphoria; Participation, Place and Euphoria; and Euphoria and Opportunities for Inclusivity. The first theme highlights the vital role euphoria<br/>plays in breaking down barriers and creating atmosphere by encouraging<br/>people to pause and engage. The second examines how euphoria and<br/>glimmer help animate space and foster a sense of belonging within festival<br/>contexts. Lastly, the third theme explores how these moments can be<br/>harnessed to create inclusive outreach opportunities.<br/>This research contributes to the field by using the lens of euphoria to<br/>understand and evaluate the programming of light festivals, advocating<br/>for approaches that move beyond passive consumption. It emphasises<br/>the importance of active community engagement and the role of euphoric<br/>and glimmer moments in shaping inclusive, dynamic spaces. The paper<br/>concludes by recommending that festival programmers intentionally<br/>identify and plan for moments designed to deliver inclusive, community based euphoric experiences.